Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has pledged to make any sacrifice necessary to secure the release of the 46 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, declaring that Oyo State will never suffer a tragedy similar to the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.

Makinde made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing protesters led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.

The protest was organised to draw attention to growing insecurity in the state and the continued captivity of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers.

Reassuring residents of his administration’s commitment to the rescue operation, the governor said every available effort was being deployed to secure the victims’ safe return.

“Let me make it very, very clear, Oyo State is not Chibok and we will not be Chibok,” Makinde said.

He disclosed that security operatives involved in the rescue mission had made significant sacrifices, including the loss of personnel.

“We have lost men, even soldiers and officers, and I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed a few days ago,” he stated.

In an emotional appeal, Makinde said he would willingly sacrifice himself if doing so would guarantee the release of the abducted children.

“If you ask me, can I sacrifice myself for those children to come out? I will do it. I have lived a good life, I’m almost 60 and it doesn’t matter. Our children will never be in the same situation as Chibok children,” he said.

The governor noted that authorities were handling the situation carefully to avoid further loss of lives.

“We’ve lost a teacher already. If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more, but if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it,” he added.

Makinde also expressed support for citizens demanding accountability from government, saying he understood the frustrations behind the protest.

“If I am not in government, I will be you; I’ll be protesting with you. I do not have anything against what you are doing,” he said.

While accepting responsibility as governor, he explained that state governments do not exercise direct control over all security agencies operating within their territories and therefore cannot independently deploy federal security forces.

The governor reiterated that security has remained a priority since he assumed office in 2019, citing the creation of the Amotekun Corps as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security.

Earlier, VeryDarkMan said the protest was intended to push authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims and to obtain clearer information about their welfare.

“We are here to also commit ourselves. If the governor does not amend, we are ready to volunteer ourselves to go into the bushes with the police, army, air force and any security operatives that are ready,” he said.

The activist lamented the uncertainty surrounding the condition of the abducted children and teachers.

“As of now, we do not even know the condition of the children. We do not know if the children are still alive. Over 45 of them were taken into the bush with their teachers, and one of the teachers has been beheaded. It is quite unfortunate,” he said.

He added that the protesters were seeking concrete assurances from the government regarding ongoing rescue efforts and the safe return of the victims.