Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area are still believed to be within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.
Makinde made the disclosure in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, stating that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the release of the victims, who have remained in captivity for 27 days.
The governor acknowledged the pain and anxiety being experienced by the families and communities affected by the abduction, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Makinde admitted that repeated assurances of the victims’ safe return may be difficult for many people to accept because the abductees have not yet been rescued.
“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 stated.
The governor explained that operational details of the rescue efforts could not be disclosed for security reasons but assured residents that authorities were pursuing every credible lead.
“We cannot share the details of what we are doing, but you can rest assured that every single day, we continue to pursue every credible lead and take every lawful action available to us to secure their release,” he said.
Addressing the families of the victims, Makinde assured them that their loved ones remained the focus of ongoing rescue operations.
“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 added.
Providing an update on the search operation, the governor said intelligence reports indicate that the victims remain within the expansive Old Oyo National Park corridor.
“One thing I can say is that our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.
“This is a vast area that stretches across parts of 10 local government areas in our state, covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres,” he said.
Makinde noted that the size and terrain of the area present significant challenges to security operations.
“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.
“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,” he stated.
The governor urged residents to support rescue efforts 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.
Makinde also warned against the spread of rumours and unverified information, stressing that misinformation could hamper 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.
“Please rely on official channels for information. These are sensitive matters, and we must avoid anything that could jeopardise rescue efforts,” he said.
The governor called on residents to remain vigilant, support security agencies and continue praying for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
“Continue to pray for their safe return. Continue to remain vigilant. And continue to support the efforts of our security agencies as we work towards bringing every one of them home safely.
“Thank you for your patience, your vigilance and your prayers,” Makinde added.
