Governor Makinde Reveals Whereabouts Of Abducted Oyo Pupils And Teachers
Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.
Governor Makinde disclosed this in Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, saying security agencies are continuing efforts to secure the victims’ release, 27 days after the abduction.
The governor said the prolonged captivity of the pupils and teachers has left families and communities worried, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
“It has been 27 days since our children and teachers were 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 from the government may be difficult for residents to believe as the victims have yet to regain freedom.
According to him, the state government remains committed to bringing them back safely, although details of ongoing operations cannot be made public for security reasons.
“We cannot share the details of what we are doing, but every day, we continue to pursue every credible lead and take every lawful action available to secure their release,” he said.
Addressing families of those abducted, the governor said the victims remain the focus of ongoing rescue efforts.
He added that intelligence and security reports indicate that the abducted pupils and teachers are still within the Old Oyo National Park corridor.
“One thing I can say is that our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.
“This is an area that stretches across parts of 10 local government areas in our state, covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres,” he said.
Makinde explained that the size and terrain of the area have made rescue operations more difficult for security agencies.
He urged residents to support the operation by reporting suspicious movements through the state’s emergency line, 615.
The governor also warned against spreading rumours or unverified information, saying misinformation could affect rescue efforts.
He appealed to residents to remain vigilant, support security agencies and continue praying for the safe return of the victims.
