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 broader Old Oyo National Park corridor.
The governor made the revelation in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, assuring residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the release of the victims, who have now spent 27 days in captivity.
Makinde described the situation as painful and distressing, acknowledging the emotional burden the prolonged abduction has placed on families and communities affected by the incident.
According to him, the victims’ continued captivity has left relatives and residents living with uncertainty and anxiety.
“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,” the governor stated.
“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.”
Makinde admitted that repeated assurances of the victims’ safe return may have become difficult for many people to believe because the rescue operation has yet to achieve its objective.
He, however, insisted that the state government remains fully committed to bringing the abducted pupils and teachers home safely.
“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. Please trust that they are not. We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely,” he said.
The governor explained that security considerations prevent the government from revealing operational details but stressed that authorities are actively 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 added.
Victims Remain Priority Of Rescue Efforts
Addressing the families of the abducted victims, Makinde assured them that their loved ones have not been forgotten and remain at the centre 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 said.
Providing further insight into the search efforts, the governor disclosed that intelligence reports indicate the victims are still located somewhere within the expansive Old Oyo National Park axis.
According to him, the area stretches across parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State and covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres, making rescue operations particularly challenging.
“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,” Makinde stated.
He noted that the difficult terrain and sheer size of the area require patience, coordination and sustained efforts from security operatives.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Governor Calls For Public Support And Vigilance
Makinde urged residents to support ongoing rescue operations by promptly reporting suspicious movements and 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.
The governor also cautioned against the spread of rumours and unverified information, warning that misinformation could hinder rescue efforts and compromise ongoing operations.
He urged residents to rely solely on official communication channels for updates regarding the abduction.
“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,” Makinde stated.
“Please rely on official channels for information. These are sensitive matters, and we must avoid anything that could jeopardise rescue efforts.”
The governor concluded by appealing to residents to remain vigilant, continue supporting security agencies, and pray 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,” he added.
READ ALSO:
- Morayo Afolabi-Brown Speaks Out After Receiving Threatening Call Over Interview Questions
- Governor Dauda Lawal Joins President Tinubu at Historic Press Corps Dinner
- Toyin Abraham Reveals Husband’s Warning That Made Her Quit Cigarettes
- Gunmen Kill Former Benue SSG
- Explosion Triggers Fire at Apapa Tank Farm as NPA, NIMASA Battle Blaze
