Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area are being held within the Old Oyo National Park.
The disclosure, made on Friday, comes nearly four weeks after the victims were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities on 15 May 2026.
Makinde said intelligence reports place the abductees within the vast forest reserve, underscoring the scale and complexity of ongoing rescue operations.
Spanning about 2,500 square kilometres across 10 local government areas, the Old Oyo National Park presents significant operational challenges for security forces, the governor noted, citing difficult terrain and the need for sustained coordination.
He assured residents that security agencies are actively pursuing all credible leads to secure the victims’ safe release, while urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity via the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615.
Makinde also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, warning that unverified reports could jeopardise rescue efforts.
In a detailed statement, the Governor acknowledged the anguish of affected families and the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the abduction.
Read the statement below.
“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 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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, 7 days a week. Your report will be received and acted upon.
“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.
“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.”
