Governor Seyi Makinde says he'd give his own life to free 46 pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State. The abduction happened on May 15 in Orrire Local Government Area.
Makinde made the pledge on Tuesday at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan. Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, led protesters to the governor's home.
Growing kidnappings across Oyo have sparked widespread alarm among residents. The abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers intensified concerns about deteriorating security.
"Oyo State is not Chibok and we will not be Chibok," Makinde declared before the crowd. He vowed his administration would do everything possible to bring the victims home safely.
The governor revealed that security personnel have died during rescue operations. A lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed just days ago, he confirmed.
In an emotional statement, Makinde said age wouldn't stop him from making the ultimate sacrifice. "If you ask me, can I sacrifice myself for those children?
I will do it," he told demonstrators.
He's nearly 60 years old and has lived well, according to him. Personal safety matters less than protecting Oyo's children, he insisted.
Authorities are moving carefully to avoid more deaths during rescue efforts. A teacher has already been lost, Makinde noted with regret.
"If certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it," the governor added. He acknowledged the risk involved in negotiating the children's release.
Makinde backed the protesters' right to demand answers from government officials. Outside office, he'd be protesting alongside them, he said.
"I do not have anything against what you are doing," he told the crowd. Civic engagement helps keep leaders honest and responsive to citizens.
But governors face real limits in controlling federal security agencies. Makinde stressed he won't make excuses about these constitutional constraints.
State leaders can only coordinate with security chiefs operating in their territories. They cannot directly command federal personnel deployed across the country, he explained.
Since 2019, security has been a top priority for his administration. Makinde pointed to the creation of Amotekun Corps as evidence of commitment to local safety.
The governor committed resources to strengthening Oyo's security architecture. Building reliable local forces remains central to his approach, he maintained.
