KEY POINTS
- A Nigerian Army lieutenant was killed during efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
- Governor Seyi Makinde vowed that the state would not allow the incident to become another Chibok-style tragedy.
- Security agencies are continuing operations to free the victims while trying to avoid further casualties.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that a lieutenant of the Nigerian Army was killed while participating in ongoing operations to rescue schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing protesters in Ibadan, the state capital, who demanded swift government action over the continued captivity of the victims.
According to Makinde, the officer lost his life two days earlier during efforts aimed at securing the release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
“We have lost men, even soldiers, officers. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed two days ago,” the governor said.
The announcement marks the first official confirmation that security personnel have suffered fatalities in the operation to rescue the abductees.
Rescue operation continues despite losses
Although the governor did not provide details surrounding the circumstances of the officer’s death, he noted that the incident highlights the dangers faced by security operatives involved in the mission.
He assured residents that security agencies remain committed to rescuing the victims while taking measures to prevent further loss of life.
Makinde stressed that authorities are carefully balancing the need for decisive action with the responsibility of protecting both the hostages and the personnel involved in the operation.
“We’re doing everything possible. We’ve lost a teacher already. If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more,” he said.
The governor vowed that Oyo State would not witness a prolonged kidnapping tragedy similar to the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.
“Oyo State is not Chibok, and it will not be Chibok,” he declared.
He maintained that the state government would exhaust every available option to secure the release of the victims and ensure that no further lives are lost.
