Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared his readiness to make any personal sacrifice necessary to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Ogbomoso.

The governor made the statement on Tuesday while addressing protesters led by activist and social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through major streets in the state capital before converging on the government house to demand urgent action over the abduction, which marked one month on Monday.

Makinde assured the protesters that security agencies were intensifying efforts to rescue the victims, noting that some personnel involved in the operation had paid the ultimate price.

"Oyo State is not Chibok and it will never become Chibok," the governor said. "We have lost officers in the course of these operations, including a lieutenant of the Nigerian Army who was killed a few days ago."

Expressing his commitment to the victims' safe return, Makinde said he would willingly sacrifice himself if it would guarantee their freedom.

"If sacrificing myself would bring those children back home, I am prepared to do so," he said. "We are doing everything possible to secure their release, but we must avoid unnecessary loss of lives. We have already lost a teacher, and we do not want more casualties."

The governor reiterated that his administration would not negotiate with the kidnappers, arguing that doing so would undermine the authority of the state and embolden criminal groups.

Recall that on May 15, armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.

Tragically, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed while in captivity.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and prompted protests across the country, with citizens demanding the immediate rescue of the victims.

Makinde recently disclosed that intelligence reports suggested the abductees were being held within the Old Oyo National Park. According to the governor, the area covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas, creating significant challenges for rescue operations due to its vast and difficult terrain.

He emphasized that security agencies are employing strategic and coordinated measures to ensure the safe recovery of the victims while minimizing further loss of life.