Makinde reveals location of Oyo abducted pupils, teachers

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State announced that the schoolchildren and teachers taken by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area are being held inside the Old Oyo National Park.

The statement was made on Friday during an update on the rescue operation, which is occurring nearly a month after the abduction.

Makinde said security forces are working to secure the safe release of the victims, who were seized during coordinated attacks on schools in the Yawota and Ahoro‑Esinle communities on 15 May 2026.

According to intelligence reports, the abductees remain within the Old Oyo National Park, an area covering about 2,500 square kilometres across ten local government areas of Oyo State.

The governor noted that the park’s vast and rugged terrain poses operational challenges for security personnel, requiring careful planning, coordination, and sustained effort to achieve a successful rescue.

He assured residents that every credible lead is being pursued and that all lawful measures are being deployed to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed. He urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll‑free emergency number, 615.

Makinde also warned against the spread of unverified information, explaining that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations. He called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information and to keep the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their freedom continue.

“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.

“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 the 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,” he added.