Makinde Reveals Location Of Abducted Pupils, Teachers As Rescue Efforts Intensify

Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area are believed to remain within the expansive Old Oyo National Park corridor, nearly four weeks after they were taken by kidnappers.

The governor made the revelation in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, providing an update on the ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.

Makinde acknowledged the pain, anxiety and uncertainty being experienced by the families of the abducted pupils and teachers, noting that the prolonged captivity of the victims has become a source of deep concern across Oyo State.

“It is extremely difficult for me to even ask how you are doing,” the governor stated. “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.”

He lamented that for almost a month, families have continued to endure emotional distress without knowing when they would be reunited with their loved ones.

“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.

The governor admitted that repeated assurances from government officials regarding the victims’ eventual release may have become difficult for many people to believe, given the length of time that has passed since the abduction.

“I know that many times I have said, ‘We will get them home safely.’ But I also know that having heard these words repeatedly without seeing that outcome yet, they may now sound hollow. Please trust that they are not. We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely,” he added.

Makinde stressed that security considerations prevent the government from disclosing operational details of ongoing rescue efforts. However, he assured residents that security agencies continue to pursue every available lead in the search for the victims.

“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 said.

Victims Remain Priority

Addressing the families of the abducted victims directly, the governor assured them that their loved ones remain at the centre of the state government’s 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 stated.

Providing further insight into the operation, Makinde revealed that intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still believed to be somewhere within the wider Old Oyo National Park region.

According to him, the area presents significant challenges for security personnel due to its size and difficult terrain.

“Our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis,” the governor explained.

He noted that the national park stretches across parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State and covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres, making search and rescue operations particularly complex.

“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,” Makinde said.

The governor explained that the vast geographical area requires patience, coordination and sustained intelligence gathering to ensure the safe recovery of the victims.

Call for Public Support and Vigilance

Makinde appealed to residents across the state to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities.

He urged members of the public to make use of the state’s emergency reporting platform whenever they notice unusual movements or security concerns.

“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 against the circulation of rumours and unverified information, stressing that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue efforts and create unnecessary panic.

“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,” he stated.

He advised residents to rely solely on official sources for updates concerning the incident.

“These are sensitive matters, and we must avoid anything that could jeopardise rescue efforts,” he added.

Makinde concluded by calling on residents to continue supporting security agencies through prayers, vigilance and cooperation, expressing confidence that ongoing operations would eventually lead to the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

“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 said.