Army officer dies in Oyo rescue mission for schoolchildren - Governor Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed on Tuesday that a lieutenant of the Nigerian Army was killed in the ongoing efforts to rescue abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The governor shared this information while speaking to protesters in Ibadan, the state capital. The protesters demanded urgent action over the continued captivity of the victims.

The victims were taken during attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Dada, Yawota, and Esiele communities on 15 May. Mr Makinde mentioned that the officer was killed two days before his statement during the rescue operations aimed at freeing 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," the governor told the protesters.

This is the first official confirmation of a security personnel's death during the ongoing rescue attempts for the abducted schoolchildren and teachers. The governor did not give details about how the officer died, but he noted the risks faced by security operatives involved in the operation.

Authorities have not reported any major breakthrough in the rescue mission. The governor assured residents that security agencies are still working hard to rescue the victims while trying to avoid more casualties.

He emphasized that the state government would not let this situation turn into a long national tragedy like the kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.

"Oyo State is not Chibok, and it will not be Chibok," he said. The governor promised that they would use every option available to secure the release of the victims and prevent further loss of lives.

According to him, security agencies are trying to balance the need for strong action with the responsibility to protect both the captives and the personnel involved in the rescue.

"We’re doing everything possible. We’ve lost a teacher already," he said. "If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more."

In one of his strongest statements, the governor said he was ready to make any sacrifice needed to free the victims.

"But if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it," he said. "I’ve lived a good life. I’m almost 60. It doesn’t matter. My own father died at 76."

The victims were taken on 15 May when gunmen attacked Community High School, Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Yawota, and another nearby school in Oriire Local Government Area.

The attackers reportedly marched the victims into the Old Oyo National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest forests, where they later beheaded a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, and kept other victims captive.

This incident sparked outrage across Oyo State and beyond. It led to protests by teachers, civil society groups, and parents who demanded stronger action from the government.

On 4 June, the Oyo State House of Assembly rejected negotiations with the attackers. They also called for better security around schools, including more security personnel, improved surveillance, and better emergency response systems.