Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo state has disclosed that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire LGA of the state are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park, 27 days after their abduction.
Makinde made the disclosure in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, assuring residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.
The governor noted that the prolonged captivity of the students and teachers has left their families and communities in deep anxiety, adding that the state government remains committed to their rescue.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when suspected bandits launched coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to Makinde, intelligence reports suggest that the abductees are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast area spanning about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas in the state.
He explained that the size and difficult terrain of the park have created significant operational challenges for security personnel involved in the rescue mission.
“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 urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, stressing that all credible information would receive prompt attention.
He also warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations and compromise security efforts.
The governor appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence while keeping the abducted pupils and teachers in their prayers as efforts continue to secure their release.