Abducted Students, Teachers Still in National Park – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area remain within the Old Oyo National Park, as efforts to secure their release continue. 

In his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, the governor noted that 27 days had passed since the students and teachers were kidnapped during attacks on schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, acknowledging the anxiety and uncertainty faced by their families and communities.

According to him, security operatives have continued to pursue all credible intelligence and lawful options to ensure the safe rescue of the abductees.

Makinde said intelligence available to the government indicated that the victims were still being held within the  Old Oyo National Park, a vast area spanning about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas in the state.

He explained that the park’s size and difficult terrain have complicated rescue efforts, requiring careful planning, coordination, and sustained operations by security personnel.

“Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State. 

“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination, and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” Makinde said. 

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency line, assuring the public that all credible information would be acted upon promptly.

He also warned against the spread of unverified reports, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations and hinder the work of security agencies.

Makinde appealed to residents to continue supporting security efforts with useful information and to keep the abducted students and teachers in their thoughts as efforts to secure their release continue.