Video: We’re ready to join police, army in bush if children are not rescued, VeryDarkMan tells Makinde

Abdullateef Fowewe

At a large protest in Oyo State on Tuesday, self-acclaimed social police VeryDarkMan has challenged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde over the May 15 abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

Speaking with the governor, VDM noted that demonstrators are prepared to join security forces in the bush if the state lacks sufficient manpower to carry out rescues.

“We came here for one reason, for kidnapping and terrorism to stop in Oyo state and in the whole of Nigeria at large, and we’re ask to ask you Mr Governor that when’re the children coming home? We’re also here to commit ourselves that if the governor doesn’t have men, we’re ready to go into the bush with the police and army,” VeryDarkMan told Governor Makinde during the protest.

The demonstration follows widespread public anger after the May 15 abduction, in which dozens of pupils and teachers were taken from a school in Oriire LGA.

Many remain in captivity more than a month later, fueling calls for urgent action from state and federal authorities.

Responding to the protest and the direct appeal, Governor Seyi Makinde reassured residents and prostesters of his commitment to securing the release of the kidnapped children.

“I give you the assurance that I, as governor of this state, will bring those children home. And once they are out, it will never happen again,” he said.

Security sources say efforts to locate and free the captives are ongoing and involve coordination between state security agencies and federal forces.

Community leaders and families of the abducted pupils have demanded regular public updates on negotiation or rescue operations.