Makinde Addresses VDM, Other Protesters, Promises Safe Return of Oriire Abducted Victims.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing the safe rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, assuring residents that every available option is being explored to bring them home safely.

The governor gave the assurance while addressing a group of protesters led by Nigerian social media influencer and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan.

Makinde said the government remains focused on ensuring the victims are rescued without further loss of life, adding that all necessary measures would be considered to achieve that objective.

He also expressed his willingness to support efforts aimed at securing the release of the abductees, stressing that the safety of the children and their teachers remains the administration’s top priority.

The governor, however, noted that the state government does not exercise direct control over federal security agencies handling the operation. He declined to disclose details of the ongoing rescue efforts, citing security concerns, but expressed confidence in the state’s security architecture to achieve a successful outcome.

Makinde thanked the protesters for conducting their demonstration peacefully and for showing concern over the plight of the abducted victims.

Earlier, speaking on behalf of the protesters, VeryDarkMan called for intensified efforts to rescue the victims and urged the Oyo State Government to expedite action to ensure their safe return.

He also expressed the willingness of concerned Nigerians to support security agencies in the rescue mission, stressing that the incident must not be allowed to become another Chibok-style tragedy.