Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area are believed to be held within the Old Oyo National Park.
The governor disclosed this on Friday while providing an update on efforts to rescue the victims, nearly four weeks after they were kidnapped during attacks on schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities on May 15, 2026.
Makinde said intelligence reports indicate that the abductees remain within the expansive Old Oyo National Park, a vast area covering about 2,500 square kilometres and stretching across 10 local government areas in the state.
According to the governor, the size and difficult terrain of the park have posed significant challenges for security operatives conducting search-and-rescue missions.
He, however, assured residents that security agencies are actively pursuing all credible leads and deploying every lawful measure necessary to secure the victims’ safe release.
“One thing I can say is that our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis,” Makinde 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 governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615. He also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations.
Makinde called on the public to continue supporting security agencies with useful information and to keep the abducted pupils and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their freedom continue.
