‘I Will Sacrifice Myself For The Children To Return Alive’ — Makinde Reveals Army Lieutenant Killed, Vows Oyo Will Not Become Another Chibok

Ibadan, Oyo State — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is willing to sacrifice himself to ensure the safe return of schoolchildren, a teacher and a principal from Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that Oyo State will never witness a tragedy similar to the infamous Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.

Makinde made the declaration on Tuesday while addressing protesters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid growing concerns over the fate of the victims.

The governor disclosed that the ongoing efforts to secure the safe return of the children and school officials had already claimed the life of a Nigerian Army officer, revealing that a lieutenant was killed during operations two days ago.

According to him, the state government and security agencies are doing everything possible to ensure the victims are rescued safely while avoiding further loss of lives.

Addressing the protesters, Makinde stressed that Oyo State would not become another Chibok, referencing the 2014 abduction of hundreds of schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State.

“That’s our position. First, let me make it very, very clear. Oyo State is not Chibok, and it will not be Chibok,” the governor said.

“We have lost men, even soldiers, officers. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed two days ago. Yes.”

Makinde said he would personally make any sacrifice necessary if it would guarantee the safe return of the children.

“So, um, if you ask me, if you ask me, can I sacrifice myself for those children to come out? I will do it,” he said.

“I’ve lived a good life. I’m almost sixty. It doesn’t matter. My own father died at seventy-six.”

The governor, however, emphasized that authorities were carefully weighing every available option to avoid unnecessary casualties while working to secure the release of the victims.

“But what we want to do is, uh… This is Oyo State. They know that this is not Chibok, and our children will never be in the same situation as Chibok children,” he stated.

“We’re doing everything possible, including what you’ve suggested. But if there’s the potential for needless loss of lives, we’ve lost a, a teacher already.”

He added that the government’s priority remained saving lives and preventing further casualties during rescue efforts.

“If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more. But if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it,” Makinde said.

The governor’s remarks came amid mounting public anxiety and calls for urgent action to secure the safe return of the affected schoolchildren and school officials from Oriire Local Government Area.

Makinde maintained that the state government, working alongside security agencies, would continue pursuing all available measures to ensure the victims return home safely, while insisting that Oyo State would not allow a repeat of the Chibok tragedy.