By Monsurat Abisoye
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that pupils and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area are believed to be held within the Old Oyo National Park.
The governor disclosed this on Friday while providing an update on efforts to rescue the victims, nearly four weeks after they were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities on 15 May 2026.
According to Makinde, intelligence reports indicate that the abductees remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast area covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across 10 local government areas in Oyo State.
He explained that the size and difficult terrain of the park have posed significant operational challenges for security agencies, requiring patience, strategic coordination and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue mission.
Despite the challenges, the governor assured residents that security operatives are pursuing every credible lead and deploying all lawful measures to secure the victims’ safe release. He also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615.
Makinde cautioned against the spread of unverified information, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations. He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence and to keep the abducted pupils and teachers in their prayers.
“I mention this not to discourage anyone, but to help us understand the scale of the challenge before us,” the governor said, stressing that the security situation extends beyond Oriire Local Government Area and requires collective vigilance and cooperation from all stakeholders.
