“Makinde Told Me He Has Lost Over 200 Amotekun Personnel During Rescue Operations in Oriire Abduction” — Aiyedatiwa

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has revealed that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, told him the state has lost over 200 operatives of the Amotekun Corps during ongoing efforts to rescue abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Aiyedatiwa made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television, while speaking on the wider security situation in the South-West and the recent wave of kidnappings in Oyo State.

According to him, the losses were recorded as security operatives intensified search-and-rescue operations following the abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire axis, which has triggered nationwide concern and protests.

“The abductions in Oyo do not mean Governor Seyi Makinde is not working on security. I spoke with him on the phone a few days ago and he told me he has lost over 200 Amotekun personnel during rescue operations linked to the Oriire incident,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He stressed that the development reflects the dangerous nature of ongoing counter-kidnapping operations and should not be misinterpreted as inaction by the state government.

Aiyedatiwa added that security agencies across the South-West continue to intensify collaboration in response to rising attacks on schools and rural communities.

“We have been doing so much on insecurity,” he added.

Background: Oriire Abduction Sparks National Outcry

The disclosure comes amid ongoing efforts to secure the release of abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Governor Makinde had earlier appealed for calm and national cooperation, urging Nigerians to avoid politicising the incident while security agencies work round the clock to rescue the victims.

Speaking during a meeting with protesters led by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Makinde described the situation as a national emergency requiring unity rather than blame.

“This is a period of national distress. It is not the time to trade blame or play politics. We must all come together and confront those threatening our collective peace and security,” the governor said.

He also expressed personal grief over the incident, recalling his family’s historical connection to the affected area, and reaffirmed that the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers remains a top priority.

Student leaders and labour unions had earlier staged protests at the State Secretariat in Ibadan, demanding urgent rescue efforts, while warning that continued attacks on schools could cripple education activities in the state.