VDM Stages Peaceful Protest in Ibadan, Meets Governor Makinde, Demands Swift Rescue of Abducted Oriire Pupils, Teachers
Popular social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on Tuesday led a peaceful protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, demanding intensified efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers from Ahoro Community in Oriire Local Government Area and ensure their safe return.
VDM, alongside members of his Ratels movement and other concerned Nigerians, converged on Ibadan to draw attention to the plight of the kidnapped children and teachers, insisting that the government and security agencies must act swiftly to secure their freedom.
Addressing supporters before meeting Governor Seyi Makinde, VDM said the protest was driven by a singular objective — the safe and immediate release of the abducted victims.
”We are here for one reason. We are here to ask the Governor: when are the children coming back, and what is he doing to bring them back?” he said.
According to him, although insecurity is a national challenge, the abduction in Oriire has become a rallying point for Nigerians who are concerned about the safety and future of children.
”It is quite unfortunate that the issue bringing us together today happened in Oyo State. We don’t even know the condition of the children. We don’t know if they are still alive. Over 45 of them were taken into the bush alongside their teachers, and one of the teachers has reportedly been beheaded. It is a painful situation,” he stated.
VDM further declared that he and members of his movement were willing to support security agencies in any lawful effort aimed at rescuing the victims.
”If the Governor does not have enough men, we are ready to volunteer ourselves. We are ready to go into the bushes with the police, army, air force and any security personnel willing to undertake the operation,” he added.
Responding to the protesters, Governor Makinde assured them that the state government was fully committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted children and teachers.
The governor explained that rescue operations involving children require a high level of caution and strategic planning to avoid putting the victims at greater risk.
”These children cannot defend themselves or do anything for themselves. The operation to rescue them is a special type of operation if we do not want to lose any of those children,” Makinde said.
Giving an assurance to the protesters and families of the victims, the governor declared: “I, as the Governor of Oyo State, by the grace of God, will bring out those children.”
Makinde also disclosed that communication had been established in the ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release, noting that relevant security agencies were actively working on the matter.
The governor reiterated that security remains one of the cardinal pillars of his administration, recalling that his government established the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
”Security was one of the cardinal principles of this administration when I came into office. We set up Amotekun, though it has not been armed adequately, but that is our reality for now,” he said.
The peaceful protest ended after the governor’s engagement with the demonstrators, who renewed their call for the urgent rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers and pledged to continue advocating for their safe return.
The abduction of the schoolchildren and their teachers has continued to generate widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond, with citizens, civil society groups and religious organisations calling for intensified efforts to bring the victims home safely.
VDM Stages Peaceful Protest in Ibadan, Meets Governor Makinde, Demands Swift Rescue of Abducted Oriire Pupils, Teachers
Byadmin
Jun 16, 2026