Oyo Abduction: Victims Still in Old Oyo National Park — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area remain in captivity within the Old Oyo National Park, assuring residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure their release.

The governor made the disclosure on Friday in Newsletter No. 140, stating that intelligence reports indicate the victims are still being held within the expansive forest reserve, which remains the focus of ongoing rescue operations.

Makinde noted that it has been 27 days since the pupils and teachers were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, leaving their families and communities in continued distress and uncertainty.

He acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on affected families, saying he understood that repeated assurances of rescue may provide little comfort as the days in captivity continue to increase.

The governor, however, maintained that the state government and security agencies had not relented in their efforts to secure the victims' freedom.

“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” he said.

According to Makinde, intelligence reports suggest that the victims remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast area covering about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State.

He explained that the size and difficult terrain of the park present significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue mission.

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the state's toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, assuring the public that all credible information would receive immediate attention.

Makinde also cautioned against the spread of unverified information relating to the abduction, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations and hamper the work of security agencies.

He appealed to residents to continue supporting security operatives with useful intelligence and to keep the abducted pupils and teachers in their prayers as efforts continue to secure their safe return.