Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the state “is not Chibok and will never be Chibok,” assuring that efforts are ongoing to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

Makinde made the statement on Tuesday while addressing protesters led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who staged a demonstration over rising insecurity and kidnappings in the state.

The protesters demanded urgent government action to secure the release of the victims and strengthen security across Oyo State.

Speaking at his Ikolaba private residence in Ibadan, the governor said every necessary step was being taken to ensure the safe return of the abducted children.

“Let me make it very, very clear: Oyo State is not Chibok and we will not be Chibok,” Makinde said.

He noted that the state had already recorded losses in the course of rescue efforts, including a teacher and a military officer, but stressed that avoiding further casualties remained a priority.

“We’ve lost a teacher already. If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more,” he said.

Makinde added that although he would be willing to sacrifice himself for the children, security operations must still be carefully managed.

The governor also sympathised with the protesters, stating that public agitation was legitimate in a democratic society.

“I will tell the truth and nothing but the truth. If I am not in government, I will be you; I’ll be protesting with you,” he said.

He, however, explained that state governments do not have full control over security agencies, noting that operational decisions rest with federal authorities.

Makinde said his administration had prioritised security since inception, leading to the creation of the Amotekun Corps, though he admitted the outfit still faces operational limitations.

On the ongoing rescue operation, the governor disclosed that more than a month had passed since the abduction but assured residents that none of the victims had been confirmed dead.

“This is the first time anywhere in Nigeria that people have kidnapped nursery and primary school children,” he said, describing the incident as unprecedented.

He added that negotiations were ongoing as part of efforts to secure the children’s release, stressing that the situation required a delicate approach to avoid further harm.

“I give you the assurance that I, as the Governor of Oyo State, will bring out those our children,” Makinde said.

The governor also promised that lessons would be learned from the incident to prevent a recurrence.

Earlier, VDM said the protest was aimed at demanding accountability and accelerating rescue efforts, while expressing concern over the uncertainty surrounding the victims’ condition.