Twenty-seven days after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said security reports show that the victims remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.
The governor disclosed this in his Newsletter No. 140, released on Friday, as he gave residents the most detailed update yet on efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Makinde acknowledged how painful the prolonged ordeal had become for affected families and communities.
“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,” Makinde said.
He admitted that his earlier assurances may now sound unconvincing to some, given that the victims are yet to return home.
“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.
While operational details remain confidential for security reasons, the governor said efforts to rescue the victims continue daily.
“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.
He had a direct message for the families of those still being held.
“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.
On the location of the victims, Makinde said intelligence had narrowed their position to a specific zone.
“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.
According to the governor, the sheer size and difficult terrain of the area have made the rescue operation especially demanding.
“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,” the governor said.
Makinde called on residents to assist security agencies by reporting any unusual activity through the state’s emergency line.
“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.
He also cautioned against the spread of unconfirmed reports, warning that misinformation could put the rescue operation at risk.
“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 said.
“Please rely on official channels for information. These are sensitive matters, and we must avoid anything that could jeopardise rescue efforts.”
The governor urged continued prayers, vigilance, and cooperation with security agencies until the victims return safely.
“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.”
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