Popular social commentator, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on Tuesday led a peaceful protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, demanding urgent action over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state.

The protest, which drew the attention of residents and security agencies, moved through parts of the city before arriving at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, where Governor Seyi Makinde personally addressed the demonstrators.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, VDM said the gathering was not politically motivated but driven by growing concerns over insecurity, banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping across the country.

“We came here for one reason because we want banditry, terrorism and kidnapping to stop. We are here to ask the governor when the children are coming back and what is being done to secure their release,” VDM said.

In response, Governor Makinde commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and acknowledged their right to demand accountability from elected leaders.

“If I were not in government, I would be with you protesting too,” the governor said. “To have a society where leaders are accountable and inclusive, sometimes people need to agitate and protest.”

Makinde, however, explained the limitations of state governments in security operations, noting that governors do not have direct control over federal security agencies such as the police and military.

According to him, while Oyo State established the Amotekun Corps to strengthen local security efforts, major security deployments still require authorization from federal authorities.

The governor disclosed that the abducted pupils and teachers have now spent over one month in captivity, describing the situation as deeply distressing.

“I am also distressed because I have children of my own. But as of today, there is no information indicating that any of the children or their teachers have died,” he stated.

Makinde further revealed that security agencies are carrying out a specialized rescue operation due to the ages of the victims, many of whom are nursery and primary school pupils.

He stressed that the government is exploring every available option to ensure the children return safely.

“This is the first time in Nigeria that nursery and primary school children have been abducted in this manner. We are doing everything possible to bring them back alive,” he said.

The governor admitted that discussions were ongoing with those holding the children, a move he described as unusual but necessary under the circumstances.

“Ordinarily, government should not negotiate with bandits because it suggests surrendering sovereignty. But if we want these children alive, we must do everything possible to secure their release,” he added.

During the interaction, VDM raised concerns about the prolonged captivity of the victims, drawing comparisons with the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction and warning that delays could embolden kidnappers.

He argued that decisive action was needed to send a strong message to criminal groups operating in the region.

Responding, Makinde rejected comparisons between Oyo State and Chibok, insisting that his administration would not allow the situation to deteriorate.

“Oyo State is not Chibok and will never be Chibok. We are doing everything possible to ensure these children return home safely,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that security personnel, including military officers, had made sacrifices during efforts to rescue the victims.

“If it comes to a point where sacrifices have to be made, including myself, we will do it. Our priority is to bring these children back alive,” Makinde assured.

The protest ended peacefully, with the governor appealing to participants to maintain law and order while the rescue efforts continue.

The incident has once again reignited national conversations about insecurity, school safety, and the need for stronger measures to combat kidnapping and banditry across Nigeria.