MAKINDE: ABDUCTED TEACHERS, PUPILS STILL BEING HELD WITHIN OLD OYO NATIONAL PARK
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that students and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area are believed to be held within the Old Oyo National Park.
Speaking on Friday, Makinde provided 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.
The governor said intelligence gathered by security agencies suggests the abductees are still being held somewhere within the vast Old Oyo National Park, which covers about 2,500 square kilometres across 10 local government areas in the state.
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According to him, the size and challenging terrain of the park have complicated rescue operations, requiring extensive planning, coordination and persistence from security operatives.
Makinde, however, assured residents that authorities are pursuing all available leads and deploying every lawful means to secure the safe release of the victims.
He also urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information that could jeopardise ongoing operations.
The governor stressed that the situation extends beyond Oriire Local Government Area, noting that the scale of the park makes public vigilance and cooperation crucial to the success of rescue efforts.
“Security reports indicate that the victims remain within the broader Old Oyo National Park corridor. Given the vastness of the area and its difficult terrain, the operation requires patience, coordination and sustained commitment,” he said.
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