IBADAN, Oyo State — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has strongly reassured residents and protesters that his administration will not abandon the abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, declaring emphatically: “Oyo State is not Chibok. We will never abandon those children and their teachers. We are doing everything possible to secure their release, and we will get them back.”
The governor made the remarks on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, while personally addressing a protest led by activist Vincent Otse (popularly known as VeryDarkMan) and members of the Ratel Movement at the Oyo State Government House.
Full Context of the Governor’s Address
Makinde expressed personal distress over the ordeal, particularly noting the vulnerability of the young victims: “This is the first time such a situation is happening, especially affecting nursery pupils who cannot even run or take care of themselves.” He reiterated his willingness to make extreme personal sacrifices, stating earlier in the engagement: “I can sacrifice myself for the release of the abducted children; I am almost 60 years old.”
He assured the protesters of round-the-clock security operations, daily briefings with service commanders, and close collaboration with federal agencies, emphasizing that the state would not relent until the victims are safely reunited with their families.
The Oriire Abduction Recap
On May 15, 2026, armed bandits carried out coordinated attacks on three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire LGA:
· Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota
· Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle
· L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle
Approximately 39–49 pupils (including toddlers as young as two years old) and seven teachers were abducted, bringing the total to around 46 victims. One mathematics teacher was killed during the attack.
Intelligence reports indicate the captives are being held in the vast and rugged Old Oyo National Park, a 2,500-square-kilometre forest terrain that has posed significant challenges to rescue efforts due to its difficult landscape.
Ongoing Efforts and Challenges
· Security forces, including the military, police, Amotekun, local hunters, and vigilantes, continue intensive operations in the park.
· The governor has held frequent security meetings and visited affected communities and families multiple times.
· President Bola Tinubu has offered federal support, with top officials dispatched to Oyo State.
· Some unverified ransom demands and distressing images of the victims have circulated, heightening family anguish as the abduction enters its second month.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, a teachers’ strike in Oyo State public schools, and sustained public pressure for swift resolution.
Significance of the Protest
VeryDarkMan and the protesters marched from the governor’s private residence in Ikolaba to the Government House, demanding immediate and decisive action to rescue the victims. The governor’s decision to engage them directly was widely noted as a demonstration of accountability and responsiveness.
Governor Makinde appealed for calm, unity, and continued support for security operations, warning against actions that could jeopardize ongoing efforts.
This story is actively developing. As of June 16, 2026, no releases have been confirmed, but authorities maintain that credible intelligence is being pursued aggressively. Families continue to endure immense pain, with prayers and calls for the safe return of all victims growing louder across Oyo State and Nigeria.
