KEY POINTS

• Seyi Makinde insists the government will not negotiate with kidnappers holding Ogbomoso schoolchildren.
• 46 victims were abducted from schools in Oriire LGA, with one teacher already killed in captivity.
• Security agencies are carrying out a complex rescue operation believed to be centered around the Old Oyo National Park.

Seyi Makinde has declared that his administration will not negotiate with the gunmen who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, insisting that the priority is a safe and unconditional rescue of all victims.

The governor made the position clear while speaking to protesters in Ibadan who were led by social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, at the state government secretariat.

Makinde stressed that engaging in negotiations with criminal groups would undermine state authority and embolden further attacks.

Abduction of 46 Pupils and Teachers Sparks National Outcry

The incident occurred on May 15 when armed men stormed three schools in Oriire LGA, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.

The tragedy escalated days later when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed in captivity, deepening public anger and triggering widespread protests across social media and within Oyo State.

On the one-month anniversary of the abduction, hundreds of demonstrators marched through major streets in Ibadan before gathering at the government house, demanding immediate action to rescue the victims.

The protest, led by VeryDarkMan, reflected growing frustration over the prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren and staff.

Makinde explained that security agencies are conducting a carefully coordinated operation aimed at rescuing the victims alive, noting that the presence of children makes the mission particularly sensitive.

He revealed that intelligence suggests the abductees are being held within the Old Oyo National Park, a vast and difficult terrain spanning several local government areas, which has complicated rescue efforts.

According to him, security forces require time and strategic coordination to avoid casualties during the operation.