Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area remain in captivity nearly four weeks after the incident.
The victims were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities on May 15, 2026.
Providing an update on ongoing rescue efforts, Makinde disclosed that intelligence reports indicate the abductees are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park, a vast forest reserve covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across ten local government areas of the state.
The governor explained that the size and difficult terrain of the national park have posed significant operational challenges for security agencies, making rescue efforts more complex. He noted that security personnel are carefully coordinating their operations to ensure the victims are rescued safely without jeopardising their lives.
Makinde assured residents that security agencies remain fully committed to securing the release of the students and teachers, stressing that every credible lead is being pursued and all lawful measures are being deployed to bring the victims home unharmed.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security efforts by reporting suspicious movements and activities through the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615.
The governor further cautioned against the circulation of unverified information, warning that misinformation could interfere with ongoing rescue operations. He appealed to residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing useful intelligence and to keep the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their freedom continue.
