By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) of the state are still being held within the confines of Old Oyo National Park, 27 days after their abduction.
The park straddles a vast area spanning about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 LGAs in the state.
Makinde made the disclosure in his Newsletter No. 140 released today, assuring residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.
The governor noted that the prolonged captivity of the students and teachers had left their families and communities in deep anxiety, adding that the state government remained committed to their rescue.
The victims were abducted on 15 May, when suspected bandits launched coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L. A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele.
The governor said intelligence reports suggested that the abductees were still being held within the Old Oyo National Park axis.
He explained that the size and difficult terrain of the park had created significant operational challenges for security personnel involved in the rescue mission.
“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” the governor said.
Makinde urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, stressing that all credible information would receive prompt attention.
He also warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations and compromise security efforts.
The governor appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence while keeping the abducted pupils and teachers in their prayers as efforts continue to secure their release.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Makinde.
