Makinde Reveals Whereabouts Of Abducted Pupils, Teachers

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.

Naija News reports that Makinde disclosed this in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, saying security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ release 27 days after the abduction.

The governor acknowledged the anxiety among families and communities affected by the incident, describing the situation as deeply distressing.

Makinde said the prolonged captivity of the pupils and teachers had caused pain and uncertainty for their families and communities.

He stated, “It is extremely difficult for me to even ask how you are doing. It has been 27 days since our children and teachers were forcefully taken from their schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of the 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.”

The governor admitted that repeated assurances of the victims’ safe return may sound difficult to accept because they had yet to be rescued.

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

Makinde said operational details could not be made public for security reasons but assured residents that the government and security agencies were pursuing every credible lead.

“We cannot share the details of what we are doing, but you can rest assured that every single day, we continue to pursue every credible lead and take every lawful action available to us to secure their release,” he stated.

‘Victims Not Forgotten’ – Makinde

Addressing families of the abducted victims, Makinde said their loved ones remained the focus of ongoing rescue efforts.

“To the parents, relatives, friends and colleagues of those still in captivity: I know that no statement can ease your pain. But please know that your loved ones have not been forgotten. They remain at the centre of our efforts every single day,” he said.

Providing an update on the rescue operation, the governor said intelligence and security reports showed that the victims were still within the expansive Old Oyo National Park corridor.

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

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

He said the size and difficult terrain of the area had created major operational challenges for security agencies.

The Governor said, “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.

“The size and terrain of the area require patience, coordination and persistence. It also means that vigilance from members of the public remains extremely important.”

Governor Urges Vigilance

Makinde urged residents to support the rescue operations by reporting suspicious movements and activities through the state’s emergency reporting channel.

“If you see anything suspicious, please call 615, the Oyo State Citizens Enquiry Number. The line is toll-free and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your report will be received and acted upon,” he said.

The governor also warned residents against spreading rumours and unverified reports, saying misinformation could undermine rescue efforts.

He said, “We will continue to provide factual updates on the efforts being made to bring our children and their teachers home. However, I must once again appeal to all of us not to spread unverified information about these abductions.

“Please rely on official channels for information. These are sensitive matters, and we must avoid anything that could jeopardise rescue efforts.”

Makinde appealed to residents to remain vigilant, support security agencies and continue praying for the victims’ safe return.

“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.

“Thank you for your patience, your vigilance and your prayers,” the governor added.