Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that pupils and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area nearly a month ago remain in captivity within the Old Oyo National Park.
The governor made the revelation in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, assuring residents that security agencies are working tirelessly to secure the victims’ release.
According to Makinde, it has been 27 days since the students and their teachers were kidnapped, leaving their families and communities anxiously awaiting their return.
The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esinle on May 15, 2026.
Expressing concern over the prolonged ordeal, the governor acknowledged the pain and uncertainty being faced by the families of the abductees. He noted that while the government has repeatedly assured residents of ongoing rescue efforts, he understands that such assurances may provide little relief as the days pass.
Makinde emphasized that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, remains committed to securing the safe return of the victims.
“Every credible lead is being pursued, and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” the governor stated.
He revealed that intelligence reports indicate the victims are still being held somewhere within the broader Old Oyo National Park corridor, a vast area spanning approximately 2,500 square kilometres across ten local government areas of Oyo State.
The governor explained that the size and difficult terrain of the park present significant operational challenges for security personnel, necessitating careful planning, strategic coordination, and sustained efforts to achieve a successful rescue mission.
Despite these challenges, Makinde assured residents that security agencies have not relented and are actively pursuing all available leads to locate and free the abductees.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615, assuring that all credible information would be treated with urgency.
The governor further cautioned against the spread of unverified information regarding the abduction, warning that misinformation could hinder ongoing operations and jeopardize rescue efforts.
Makinde appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence and to keep the abducted students and teachers in their thoughts and prayers as efforts to secure their freedom continue.
