Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state are being held within the Old Oyo National Park.
The revelation comes in an update on the rescue efforts released by the Governor on Friday, nearly four weeks after their abduction.
According to him, security agencies are actively working to secure the safe release of the victims, who were whisked away during coordinated attacks on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities on May 15, 2026.
The Governor noted that intelligence reports indicate that the abductees remain within the expansive Old Oyo National Park area, which spans about 2,500 square kilometres across ten local government areas in Oyo State.
He explained that the vast and difficult terrain of the park has created operational challenges for security personnel, requiring careful planning, coordination, and sustained efforts to achieve a successful rescue mission.
Governor Seyi Makinde (centre) says efforts have been intensified to ensure the rescue of the abductees.
Makinde assured residents that every credible lead is being pursued and all lawful measures are being deployed to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615.
The governor further warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations.
He called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information and to keep the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their freedom continue.
See Full Statement Below:
“It is extremely difficult for me to even ask how you are doing.
“It has been 27 days since our children and teachers were forcefully taken from their schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
“For 27 days, families have gone to bed without their loved ones. For 27 days, communities have lived with uncertainty. For 27 days, our children and teachers have remained in captivity.
“I know that many times I have said, “We will get them home safely.” But I also know that having heard these words so often, without seeing that outcome yet, they may now sound hollow or empty. Please trust that they are not. We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely.
“We cannot share the details of what we are doing, but you can rest assured that every single day, we continue to pursue every credible lead and take every lawful action available to us to secure their release.
“To the parents, relatives, friends and colleagues of those still in captivity: I know that no statement can ease your pain. But please know that your loved ones have not been forgotten. They remain at the centre of our efforts every single day.
“One thing I can say is that our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis. This is a vast area that stretches across parts of 10 local government areas in our State, covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres.
“I mention this not to discourage anyone, but to help us understand the scale of the challenge before us. This is not an issue affecting only Oriire Local Government Area. It is an issue that concerns all of us. The size and terrain of the area require patience, coordination and persistence. It also means that vigilance from members of the public remains extremely important.
“If you see anything suspicious, please call 615, the Oyo State Citizens Enquiry Number. The line is toll-free and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your report will be received and acted upon.
“We will continue to provide factual updates on the efforts being made to bring our children and their teachers home. However, I must once again appeal to all of us not to spread unverified information about these abductions. Please rely on official channels for information. These are sensitive matters, and we must avoid anything that could jeopardise rescue efforts.
“Continue to pray for their safe return. Continue to remain vigilant. And continue to support the efforts of our security agencies as we work towards bringing every one of them home safely.”
Makinde consoling former power minister, Adelabu, during the abduction of his sister and her children recently.
