Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Being Held in Old Oyo National Park, Says Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area are being held within the expansive Old Oyo National Park, nearly four weeks after the incident.

The governor made the revelation on Friday in an update on ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the victims, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities on May 15, 2026.

Makinde said intelligence reports available to security agencies 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.

According to the governor, the sheer size and challenging terrain of the park have complicated rescue operations, requiring patience, careful coordination and sustained efforts by security personnel.

“One thing I can say is that our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis,” Makinde said.

“This is a vast area that stretches across parts of 10 local government areas in our State, covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres.”

The governor acknowledged the anguish of families whose loved ones have remained in captivity for 27 days, assuring them that government and security agencies have not relented in their efforts to bring the victims home safely.

“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,” he said.

Makinde admitted that repeated assurances of a successful rescue may have become difficult for affected families to accept, given the length of time the victims have spent in captivity. However, he insisted that authorities remain committed to securing their release.

“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,” he said.

“We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely.”

While declining to disclose operational details, the governor said security agencies continue to pursue every credible lead and deploy all lawful measures available to rescue the abductees unharmed.

He also appealed to residents across the state to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615.

Makinde stressed that public cooperation remains vital, especially given the vast territory where the victims are believed to be held.

“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 governor further cautioned against the circulation of unverified information, warning that misinformation could jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts and undermine security operations.

He urged residents to rely on official channels for updates while continuing to support security agencies with useful intelligence.

“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,” he added.

The abduction of the pupils and teachers on May 15 sparked widespread concern across Oyo State, with families and community leaders repeatedly calling for intensified efforts to secure their release. Nearly four weeks later, authorities say rescue operations remain active as security agencies work to bring the victims home safely.