Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ruled out negotiations with armed abductors and vowed the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.
Makinde spoke on Tuesday while receiving protesters led by activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan.
The abductors had, on May 15, attacked three schools in Oriire, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers. One of the teachers later died in captivity, intensifying public outrage and nationwide calls for action.
The governor said security agencies were conducting a delicate operation aimed at rescuing the victims alive, adding that the state would not engage in negotiations with the kidnappers.
He warned that negotiating with armed groups would undermine state authority and embolden criminal networks.
Intelligence reports earlier indicated that the victims were being held within the old Old Oyo National Park, a vast and difficult terrain spanning several local government areas, which has complicated rescue efforts.
Protests had erupted in Ibadan over the abduction, with demonstrators demanding urgent government action and the release of the victims.
