Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park axis, as security agencies continue efforts to secure their freedom.
The governor gave the update on Friday through his Newsletter No. 140, assuring residents that the rescue operation remains active and that authorities have not abandoned the victims.
According to him, it has been 27 days since the attack on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, an incident that threw many families into grief and uncertainty.
The victims were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle, on May 15.
Makinde admitted that the long wait has been painful for parents and relatives of the abductees. He said he understands the anxiety in the affected communities, adding that repeated assurances from government may not be enough to ease the worries of families still waiting for their loved ones.
The governor, however, maintained that security agencies are working round the clock to bring the victims home safely.
“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” he said.
He explained that intelligence available to the government indicates that the victims are still within the wider Old Oyo National Park corridor.
Makinde noted that the vast forest, which stretches across about 2,500 square kilometres and cuts across several local government areas, has created major operational challenges for security personnel.
According to him, the difficult terrain requires careful planning, strategic coordination and patience to avoid putting the lives of the captives at further risk.
The governor also appealed to residents to remain alert and report suspicious movements to security authorities through the state’s toll-free emergency line, stressing that useful information from members of the public could assist ongoing operations.
