Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday confirmed that a lieutenant of the Nigerian Army was killed during ongoing efforts to rescue abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Naijaonpoint reports that Makinde disclosed this while addressing protesters who gathered in Ibadan, the state capital, to demand urgent action over the continued captivity of the victims.
The pupils and teachers were abducted during attacks on schools in Ahoro-Dada, Yawota and Esiele communities on May 15.
The governor said the Army officer was killed two days earlier during rescue operations aimed at securing the release of the victims.
“We have lost men, even soldiers, officers. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed two days ago,” Makinde told the protesters.
The governor did not give details of the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death. He, however, said the incident showed the danger faced by security operatives involved in the rescue operation.
Makinde assured residents that security agencies were still working to rescue the victims while trying to avoid further casualties.
He said the state government would not allow the abduction to become a prolonged national tragedy like the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State.
“Oyo State is not Chibok, and it will not be Chibok,” he said.
The governor added that authorities were committed to exhausting all available options to secure the release of the victims and prevent further loss of lives.
Makinde said security agencies were balancing the need for decisive action with the responsibility to protect both the captives and personnel involved in the operation.
He further stated, “We’re doing everything possible. We’ve lost a teacher already. If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more.”
The governor said he was personally prepared to make sacrifices if necessary to secure the freedom of the abducted victims.
Makinde added, “But if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it. I’ve lived a good life. I’m almost 60. It doesn’t matter. My own father died at 76.”
The victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked Community High School, Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Yawota; and another nearby school in Oriire Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly taken into the Old Oyo National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest forest reserves.
One teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was later killed, while other victims remain in captivity.
