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Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed that pupils and teachers abducted during the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park corridor, nearly a month after the incident. The governor said intelligence reports available to security agencies indicate that the victims have not been moved out of the vast forest area, giving rescuers a clearer focus as efforts to secure their release continue.
Makinde acknowledged the growing anxiety among affected families and residents, describing the prolonged captivity of the pupils and teachers as deeply painful. He explained that the rescue mission has been complicated by the enormous size of the Old Oyo National Park, which spans thousands of square kilometres and contains dense vegetation, difficult terrain, and numerous hideouts that criminals can exploit. Despite these challenges, he insisted that security agencies remain committed to bringing the victims home safely.
According to the governor, multiple security formations are currently coordinating intelligence-driven operations within and around the forest reserve. He stated that all necessary resources have been deployed to track the abductors while avoiding actions that could endanger the lives of the hostages. Makinde also appealed to residents of surrounding communities to provide useful information that could assist ongoing operations and warned against spreading unverified reports that may undermine rescue efforts.
The victims were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire LGA in May. The incident led to the deaths of teachers, triggered nationwide protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and renewed calls for stronger security around schools across the country. While public pressure on authorities continues to mount, Makinde has assured families that the government and security agencies will sustain operations until every abducted pupil and teacher is rescued and reunited with their loved ones.
