Makinde Confirms Soldier D!ed In Mission To Rescue Abducted Oyo Pupils

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed the death of a Nigerian Army lieutenant during an ongoing operation to rescue schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

According to Ireporter Online, the governor made the disclosure on Tuesday while addressing a group of protesters in Ibadan who had gathered to demand swift action over the continued captivity of the victims.

The pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15 when armed assailants attacked schools in the Ahoro-Dada, Yawota and Esiele communities. Makinde revealed that the Army officer lost his life two days earlier while participating in efforts to secure the victims’ release.

The governor noted that security operatives had made significant sacrifices in the operation, stating that the death of the lieutenant underscored the dangers confronting personnel involved in the rescue mission.

Although he did not provide details surrounding the incident, Makinde assured residents that security agencies remain fully committed to rescuing the victims while taking every possible measure to prevent additional casualties among both hostages and rescue teams.

He stressed that the state government would not allow the incident to develop into a prolonged national tragedy, declaring that Oyo would not experience a repeat of the infamous 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.

Makinde reiterated that all available strategies were being explored to ensure the safe return of those still in captivity and to safeguard the lives of everyone involved in the operation. He acknowledged that the crisis had already claimed the life of a teacher and emphasized the administration’s determination to avoid further losses.

The governor also expressed his personal commitment to the rescue effort, saying he was willing to make any necessary sacrifice if it would secure the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The victims were taken after gunmen attacked Community High School in Esiele, L.A. Primary School in Yawota, and another nearby school in Oriire Local Government Area before reportedly moving them into the Old Oyo National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest forest reserves.

While one teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was later confirmed dead, the remaining abducted pupils and teachers are still being held captive as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release.