Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area remain in captivity within the Old Oyo National Park, as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their safe release.
The governor disclosed this in his Newsletter No. 140, assuring residents that the state government and security operatives are actively pursuing every available lead to rescue the victims and reunite them with their families.
The students and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, leaving families and communities devastated and anxious over their fate.
Reflecting on the incident, Makinde noted that it has been 27 days since the abduction occurred, acknowledging the pain, uncertainty and emotional trauma being experienced by parents and loved ones of the victims.
He stated that while the government has consistently assured residents that the abductees would be rescued, he understands that such assurances may offer little comfort as the days continue to pass without their return.
According to the governor, intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the vast Old Oyo National Park area, a rugged terrain covering about 2,500 square kilometres across ten local government areas of the state.
Makinde explained that the size and difficult landscape of the park present significant challenges for security operations, requiring careful planning, strategic coordination and sustained efforts to ensure the safety of the captives during rescue missions.
Despite these challenges, he stressed that security agencies remain committed to the operation and have not relented in their determination to secure the release of the students and teachers.
The governor called on residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious movements and activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615.
He also warned against the spread of unverified information about the abduction, noting that misinformation could jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts and undermine security operations.
Makinde urged citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing useful intelligence while keeping the abducted students and teachers in their thoughts and prayers as efforts to secure their freedom continue.