Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park, nearly a month after their abduction.
Makinde made the revelation in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, assuring residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe release.
According to the governor, it has been 27 days since the students and teachers were kidnapped from their schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, leaving families and communities in anxiety and uncertainty.
The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, on May 15, 2026.
Makinde acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on affected families, stating that while the government had repeatedly assured residents of ongoing rescue efforts, he understood the pain of waiting for the victims’ return.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to rescuing the abductees, stressing that security agencies were pursuing every credible lead.
“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” the governor said.
Makinde revealed that intelligence reports indicate the victims are being held somewhere within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.
According to him, the park spans about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State, making rescue operations particularly challenging.
“Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State.
“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” he stated.
The governor appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615.
He assured citizens that all credible information received would be acted upon promptly by relevant security agencies.
Makinde also warned against the spread of unverified reports concerning the abduction, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence while keeping the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their release continue.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the victims are safely reunited with their families and communities.
