Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that pupils and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area remain in captivity within the Old Oyo National Park corridor.
The governor made the disclosure in an update on ongoing rescue efforts released on Friday, nearly four weeks after the victims were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities on May 15, 2026. According to him, security agencies have intensified efforts to ensure the safe return of those still being held.Expressing concern over the prolonged ordeal faced by the victims and their families, Makinde said:”It is extremely difficult for me to even ask how you are doing.
It has been 27 days since our children and teachers were forcefully taken from their schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of the Oriire Local Government Area.”He added: “For 27 days, families have gone to bed without their loved ones. For 27 days, communities have lived with uncertainty. For 27 days, our children and teachers have remained in captivity.
“Acknowledging the growing anxiety among affected families, the governor noted that repeated assurances may no longer provide comfort.”I know that many times I have said, ‘We will get them home safely.’ But I also know that having heard these words so often, without seeing that outcome yet, they may now sound hollow or empty.
Please trust that they are not. We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely,” he said.Makinde disclosed that intelligence reports indicate the victims are still being held within the expansive Old Oyo National Park axis.”One thing I can say is that our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis,” the governor stated.
He explained that the park spans approximately 2,500 square kilometres across ten local government areas in Oyo State, presenting significant operational challenges for rescue teams.”I mention this not to discourage anyone, but to help us understand the scale of the challenge before us. This is not an issue affecting only Oriire Local Government Area. It is an issue that concerns all of us,” Makinde said.
According to him, “The size and terrain of the area require patience, coordination and persistence. It also means that vigilance from members of the public remains extremely important.”The governor assured families that the abductees have not been forgotten and remain central to the state’s rescue efforts.
“To the parents, relatives, friends and colleagues of those still in captivity: I know that no statement can ease your pain. But please know that your loved ones have not been forgotten. They remain at the centre of our efforts every single day,” he said.
Makinde further urged residents to support ongoing security operations by reporting suspicious activities through the state’s emergency reporting channel.”If you see anything suspicious, please call 615, the Oyo State Citizens Enquiry Number. The line is toll-free and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your report will be received and acted upon,” he said.He also cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could undermine rescue operations.
“We will continue to provide factual updates on the efforts being made to bring our children and their teachers home. However, I must once again appeal to all of us not to spread unverified information about these abductions,” the governor added.
