Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that students and teachers abducted on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park axis, as security operations continue to secure their release.
In an update issued on Friday, June 12, Makinde said the expansive 2,500-square-kilometre terrain of the park has made rescue efforts particularly challenging, requiring sustained coordination, patience, and persistence from security agencies involved in the operation.
In his Newsletter No. 140, the governor noted that it has been 27 days since the victims were kidnapped from their school premises, stressing that they remain the central focus of ongoing rescue efforts.
Makinde assured residents that the government, in collaboration with security forces, remains fully committed to ensuring the safe return of the abductees, adding that all necessary resources have been deployed to track and rescue them alive.
He explained that multiple security formations are operating within and around the forest reserve, with intelligence-led operations ongoing to locate and close in on the abductors. He also highlighted that the dense vegetation, difficult terrain, and scattered hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park continue to hinder rescue efforts.
According to him, “Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees.”
He added that intelligence reports suggest the victims are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, which spans about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State.
Makinde noted that the size and complexity of the area require strategic coordination and sustained operations by security personnel to achieve a successful outcome.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens’ Enquiry line, 615, assuring that all credible information would be promptly acted upon.
He also cautioned against the spread of unverified reports about the abduction, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.
Makinde appealed for continued public support for security agencies and prayers for the safe return of the victims, reaffirming his confidence in the operation.
“We will get them home safely,” he said.
