Makinde Pledges Safe Return Of Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

Oyo governor assures families of abducted pupils and teachers that efforts are ongoing to secure their release safely.Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents that his administration is working to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area, saying every effort is being made to bring them home safely.

The governor gave the assurance in Ibadan while addressing protesters led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who marched to the Governor’s Office to demand action over the kidnapping. Makinde said security agencies were carrying out a specialised operation designed to rescue the victims without putting their lives at risk.

According to the governor, the state government remains focused on securing the safe return of those abducted and is working closely with security agencies involved in the operation.

“The operation to rescue them is a special type of operation because if we don’t want to lose any of those children.”

“I give you the assurance that I, as the governor of Oyo state, by God’s grace, we will bring out those of our children.

“We are working tirelessly with all relevant security agencies, and we will not relent until they are safely reunited with their families.”

Before meeting the governor, VeryDarkMan led members of the Ratel Movement and other residents on a peaceful march through parts of Ibadan. The demonstrators carried placards calling for stronger action against insecurity and the immediate rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Addressing protesters during the march, the activist said the aim was to draw attention to the plight of the victims and their families.

“We cannot continue to remain silent while innocent children are taken away from their classrooms. The safety of our children must be a priority for every level of government,” he said.

He also called on both federal and state authorities to strengthen efforts to address insecurity and ensure the victims return home safely, warning that attacks on schools put both lives and education at risk.

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, in Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The incident has sparked concern across Oyo State, with parents, community leaders and civil society groups urging authorities to secure the release of those held captive.