IBADAN, OYO STATE — Nigerian activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) on Tuesday led a peaceful protest to the Oyo State Government House, demanding urgent action to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The activist, accompanied by his supporters, popularly known as the “Ratels,” marched to the Government House in Ibadan to draw attention to the plight of the victims, who have reportedly been missing since May 15.
According to accounts from the protest, individuals alleged to be cultists attempted to disrupt the gathering. However, VDM reportedly urged protesters to remain calm and avoid confrontation, after which the suspected disruptors left the area.
The demonstration focused on the abduction of students and teachers believed to be held within the Old Oyo National Park axis, a development that has generated growing concern among residents and stakeholders.
Addressing the protesters, Governor Seyi Makinde acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and assured residents that the state government was committed to securing the victims’ release.
“This is not Chibok, and Oyo State will not allow it to become one,” the governor said, referencing the 2014 mass abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State.
Makinde also highlighted the human cost of the ongoing security challenge, noting that a teacher and several security personnel had lost their lives during efforts to tackle the situation, including a Nigerian Army lieutenant reportedly killed three days earlier.
During the engagement, VDM and other protesters proposed participating in search operations alongside security agencies to locate the abducted victims.
“If you are ready, we are ready to go into the bush,” VDM told the governor. “The longer terrorists are left unchecked, the stronger they become.”
In response, Governor Makinde said security agencies were already exploring all available options, including measures similar to those suggested by the protesters. He, however, emphasized the need for caution, coordination, and professional handling of the operation to avoid putting the hostages at greater risk.
“If my own life is what it takes to bring those children home, I will give it without hesitation,” the governor said. “I have lived a good life. I’m almost 60. It doesn’t matter.”
The governor’s remarks come amid growing public concern over the abduction and increasing calls for stronger action to address insecurity and ensure the safe return of the victims.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies were continuing operations aimed at rescuing the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
