Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has drawn a firm line in the sand against banditry and kidnapping, vowing that his administration will not negotiate with or pay ransom to the criminals who abducted dozens of nursery and primary school children along with their teachers in Ogbomoso.
In a strongly worded reaction to the incident, Governor Makinde expressed deep pain over the vulnerability of the victims, noting that this was the first time bandits had targeted such young children in the state.
“In Nigeria, this is the first time that they will do it to nursery and primary school children. And these are children that cannot even run or do anything themselves,” the governor said.
He stressed that rescuing them would require a carefully planned and highly sensitive approach.
“So, the operation to rescue them is a special kind of operation if we don’t want to lose any of those children.”
Why a “Special Kind of Operation”?
The governor’s choice of words is deliberate and revealing. A “special kind of operation” implies the deployment of highly trained operatives, precise intelligence, minimal force where possible, and tactics specifically designed to protect the lives of very young hostages who cannot fend for themselves. This is markedly different from standard anti-banditry operations, where the risk of collateral damage is sometimes higher.
Makinde’s statement reflects the enormous pressure on security agencies: one wrong move could lead to the death of innocent children. The emphasis on a special operation also signals that the state is prioritising the safe return of every child over quick but risky confrontations.
No Negotiation, No Ransom
The governor made it crystal clear that Oyo State will not reward criminality. Paying ransom, he believes, only encourages more abductions. Instead, the focus is now on intelligence gathering, coordinated military and police action, and community support to locate and safely extract the children.
This latest abduction has caused widespread outrage across Oyo State. Parents are demanding urgent action, while residents worry that the targeting of nursery and primary pupils marks a dangerous new low in the insecurity crisis.
As the special operation is being prepared, Governor Makinde’s firm stance has drawn both support and concern. Many commend his refusal to negotiate with bandits, while others worry about the safety of the children during any rescue mission.
The coming days will be critical. The eyes of the entire state — and indeed the country — are on Ogbomoso, hoping for a swift and safe resolution that brings every child home alive.
What do you think about Governor Makinde’s position? Should the government maintain a “no ransom” policy even when young children are involved, or is this a situation that requires flexibility? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
