“We have lost men, even soldiers, officers. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed two days ago,” Makinde told the protesters.

The governor did not give details of the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death. He, however, said the incident showed the danger faced by security operatives involved in the rescue operation.

Makinde assured residents that security agencies were still working to rescue the victims while trying to avoid further casualties.

He said the state government would not allow the abduction to become a prolonged national tragedy like the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State.

“Oyo State is not Chibok, and it will not be Chibok,” he said.

The governor added that authorities were committed to exhausting all available options to secure the release of the victims and prevent further loss of lives.

Makinde said security agencies were balancing the need for decisive action with the responsibility to protect both the captives and personnel involved in the operation.

He further stated, “We’re doing everything possible. We’ve lost a teacher already. If we can avoid losing more, we will avoid losing more.”

The governor said he was personally prepared to make sacrifices if necessary to secure the freedom of the abducted victims.

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

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

The victims were reportedly taken into the Old Oyo National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest forest reserves.

One teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was later killed, while other victims remain in captivity.

“My Lords, we are aware of an order that this court made on May 22, which stopped the delivery of the judgment of the lower court, which was initially reserved for delivery on June 5. We were not aware of any notice from the court regarding the delivery of the judgment. We only saw it as breaking news in the media. We therefore do not oppose the application of the appellant to stay the execution of the judgment.”

Counsel to the parties argued that the Federal High Court acted in disregard of the judicial hierarchy, warning that the judgment could disrupt by-elections scheduled to hold in six states on June 20.

They urged the Court of Appeal to exercise its supervisory powers and immediately suspend the enforcement of the judgment pending the determination of the appeal.

“Sincerely, my Lords, a lot has happened to the judiciary and this profession. What the trial judge did was dare this Court of Appeal by insisting that no one could arrest his judgment, even after his attention was drawn to the stay order from this court.

“The action of the trial judge calls for swift and extraordinary measures from this court. We have come to the stage where this court should press the reset button.

“We are calling on this court to exercise disciplinary jurisdiction under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. We urge this court to take disciplinary steps by immediately suspending that judgment.

“This court has the power to protect its own integrity. We pray this court suspends the judgment immediately without further delay.”

The suit that led to the deregistration order was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which argued that the five parties failed to satisfy the requirements of Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.

According to the group, political parties must win at least one elective seat or secure a minimum of 25 per cent of votes in at least one state in a presidential election to retain registration.

“There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute. Normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” he said.

“NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available. We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies,” he added.

He noted that the institute remained committed to the safety of its community and commended the professionalism of security personnel involved in the response.

However, sources told Daily Trust that the attackers appeared to have specifically targeted the residences of the Acting Director of Studies, Nima Salman-Mann, and another senior staff member, Haruna Dabin.

According to the sources, the two senior officials had received handwritten notes pasted on their doors on Saturday, demanding $100,000 and N15 million respectively, which were reportedly brought to the attention of the institute’s management before the attack.

The sources explained that while local vigilantes provide security during the day, soldiers and police personnel are stationed around the staff quarters at night, adding that the slain officers were killed during an exchange of gunfire with the assailants.

The attack on the nation’s premier policy and strategic think tank comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and the increasing vulnerability of public institutions and senior officials to violent attacks across the country.