Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that intelligence reports suggest the students and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area are still being held within the vast Old Oyo National Park, as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release.
The governor explained that available intelligence indicates the victims remain somewhere inside the expansive forest reserve, which covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres and stretches across ten local government areas in Oyo State.
According to Makinde, the size and challenging terrain of the national park have posed significant operational difficulties for security personnel involved in the rescue mission. He noted that navigating the dense forest requires strategic planning, effective coordination among security agencies, and sustained efforts to ensure that any operation is carried out successfully without endangering the lives of the captives.
The governor assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, is actively pursuing every credible lead and deploying all lawful and available resources to secure the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.
He emphasized that authorities remain committed to ensuring the victims regain their freedom unharmed, adding that security operatives are working around the clock to achieve that objective.
Makinde also appealed to residents of the state to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious movements or activities. He encouraged members of the public to make use of the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615, whenever they obtain information that could assist ongoing security operations.
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.”
