Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area are still believed to be within the wider Old Oyo National Park corridor, as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release 27 days after the incident.
The governor disclosed this in Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, assuring residents that the victims remain the focus of ongoing rescue operations despite the prolonged period in captivity.
Makinde acknowledged the anguish and uncertainty faced by families and communities affected by the abduction, describing the situation as one of the most painful moments for the state.
“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 the 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,” the governor said.
He admitted that repeated assurances of a safe rescue may have become difficult for some residents to accept as the days pass without the victims’ return.
“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,” he added.
Makinde said security agencies, working with the state government, continue to pursue every credible lead, although operational details cannot be disclosed for strategic reasons.
“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,” he stated.
Addressing relatives of the abducted victims, the governor assured them that the state had not relented in its efforts.
“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,” he said.
Providing the most significant update since the abduction occurred, Makinde disclosed that intelligence reports indicate the victims are still within the expansive Old Oyo National Park axis.
“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,” he explained.
According to the governor, the size and terrain of the area have continued to pose considerable challenges for security personnel involved in the rescue mission.
“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,” he said.
Makinde urged residents to support ongoing security operations by reporting suspicious movements and activities through the state’s emergency reporting channel.
“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, seven days a week. Your report will be received and acted upon,” he said.
The governor also cautioned against the spread of rumours and unverified information, warning that misinformation could undermine efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“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 jeopardize rescue efforts,” he said.
Makinde further appealed to residents to remain vigilant, support security agencies and continue praying for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
“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,” he said.
The governor thanked residents for their patience, cooperation and continued support throughout the ongoing rescue efforts.
“Thank you for your patience, your vigilance and your prayers,” he added.
