Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that a Nigerian Army lieutenant was killed during ongoing efforts to rescue schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The governor made the disclosure on Tuesday while addressing hundreds of protesters in Ibadan who gathered to demand the immediate release of the victims. The demonstration was led by activist and social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked schools in Oriire LGA, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians calling on authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
Speaking to the protesters, Makinde said security agencies were carrying out a carefully coordinated operation aimed at securing the safe release of the captives without causing further loss of life.
According to the governor, the operation has already claimed the life of a military officer.
“We have lost men in the course of these operations. I can confirm that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed a few days ago. These officers are making sacrifices to ensure that our children return home safely,” he said.
Makinde assured residents that the state government would not allow the situation to become another prolonged school abduction crisis.
“Oyo State is not Chibok, and it will never be Chibok. We are doing everything within our power to bring these children and their teachers back safely,” the governor stated.
He added that the government remains committed to balancing aggressive rescue efforts with the need to protect the lives of those still being held captive.
The governor also paid tribute to security personnel involved in the operation, describing their sacrifices as evidence of the government’s determination to end the crisis.
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Protesters Demand Swift Action
During the protest, demonstrators carried placards and marched through major roads in Ibadan before converging on the Government House.
Many participants expressed frustration over the prolonged captivity of the victims and urged both state and federal authorities to take stronger measures against the kidnappers.
VeryDarkMan, who addressed the crowd, called for urgent action and stressed the need to prevent criminal groups from gaining a stronger foothold in the state.
Growing Concern Over Insecurity
The abduction in Oriire has renewed concerns about insecurity and attacks on educational institutions across Nigeria. Families of the victims continue to appeal for their safe return, while security agencies maintain that efforts to rescue them are ongoing.
Authorities have yet to provide a timeline for the completion of the rescue operation, but Governor Makinde insisted that every available resource is being deployed to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
