Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said the vast size and difficult terrain of the Old Oyo National Park continue to hamper efforts to rescue dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area almost four weeks ago.
In his Newsletter No. 140, released on Friday, Makinde disclosed that intelligence reports indicate the victims remain in captivity within the Old Oyo National Park axis, where security agencies are conducting ongoing operations aimed at securing their release.
The abduction occurred on 15 May when armed terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele. During the assault, a teacher was killed and more than 45 pupils and teachers were taken hostage.
Reflecting on the passage of nearly four weeks since the attack, the governor said the ordeal had left families and communities grappling with anguish and uncertainty.
“It has now been 27 days since these students and teachers were forcibly taken from their schools,” Makinde said. “While I have consistently assured residents that they will be rescued and reunited with their loved ones, I understand that such assurances may offer little comfort as the days continue to pass.”
The governor insisted that neither the state government nor security agencies had eased their efforts, stressing that all available resources were being deployed to secure the safe return of the abductees.
“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” he said.
According to Makinde, intelligence assessments suggest the victims are being held somewhere within the wider Old Oyo National Park area, which stretches across roughly 2,500 square kilometres and spans parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State.
“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” he said.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, assuring the public that credible reports would be acted upon promptly.
He also warned against the spread of unverified information surrounding the abduction, cautioning that misinformation could undermine rescue efforts and complicate ongoing security operations.
Makinde appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence and to keep the abducted pupils and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their release intensify.
