Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has disclosed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state are still being held within the vast Old Oyo National Park, nearly four weeks after they were taken away by their captors.
The governor gave the update on Friday in his Newsletter No. 140, assuring residents that security agencies had not abandoned efforts to secure the victims’ release and reunite them with their families.
According to Makinde, it has been 27 days since the students and their teachers were abducted from their schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, an incident that has plunged the affected communities into fear, anxiety and uncertainty.
He acknowledged the pain being experienced by the families of the victims, noting that while the government had consistently reassured residents that the abductees would be rescued, he understood that such promises might provide little comfort as the days continue to pass without their return.
“For the families of these children and teachers, each passing day brings renewed worry and emotional pain,” the governor said.
Makinde stated that despite the challenges involved in the rescue operation, the state government and security agencies remained fully committed to bringing the victims home safely.
He said all available resources were being deployed to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the abductees.
“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” the governor stated.
He revealed that intelligence reports available to the government indicated that the victims remained within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.
According to him, the location of the national park presents major operational difficulties for security operatives.
“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,” he explained.
“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.”
The governor’s latest comments offer the clearest indication yet of where authorities believe the abducted students and teachers are being held.
The abduction has remained one of the most disturbing security incidents recorded in Oyo State in recent months and has renewed concerns about the growing threat posed by criminal groups operating in forests and remote communities.
Residents of Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities have continued to live in fear since the incident occurred, with many parents anxiously waiting for news about the fate of their children.
The prolonged captivity of the victims has also sparked public concern over the safety of schools, particularly those located in rural areas with limited security presence.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed several cases of mass abductions involving schoolchildren. Such incidents have occurred in different parts of the country, especially in the North-West and North-Central regions, where armed groups have targeted schools for ransom.
Although Oyo State has not experienced such attacks on the scale seen in some northern states, the latest incident has highlighted the changing nature of insecurity and the need for stronger protective measures around educational institutions.
The Old Oyo National Park, where intelligence reports suggest the victims are being held, is one of Nigeria’s major conservation areas. Located in Oyo State, the park stretches across thousands of square kilometres and extends into several local government areas.
Its thick vegetation, rocky landscapes and remote locations make surveillance and military operations particularly challenging.
Makinde appealed to residents not to lose hope and urged them to continue supporting security agencies through the provision of useful information.
He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities that could assist ongoing investigations.
The governor encouraged residents to make use of the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, stressing that all credible reports would receive immediate attention from the appropriate authorities.
He also warned against the spread of rumours and unverified information relating to the abduction.
According to him, false reports and misinformation could undermine rescue efforts and make the work of security agencies more difficult.
“Misinformation can compromise ongoing rescue efforts and hinder security operations,” Makinde cautioned.
He therefore urged residents, community leaders and social media users to exercise restraint and verify information before sharing it publicly.
The governor further appealed to the people of Oyo State to continue praying for the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.
He said the government remained determined to ensure that the victims were reunited with their families and that those responsible for the crime were brought to justice.
The latest update from the governor may offer some reassurance that the authorities have not lost track of the victims’ whereabouts. However, for the affected families, the uncertainty surrounding the fate of their loved ones remains a painful reality.
As the rescue operation enters its fourth week, attention is now focused on whether the intensified security efforts will finally bring an end to the ordeal of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers.
For many Nigerians, the incident serves as yet another reminder of the urgent need to strengthen security across the country and protect schools from becoming targets of criminal attacks.
Until the victims regain their freedom, families in the affected communities will continue to wait, pray and hope for the day their children and teachers finally return home safely.