Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that the students and teachers abducted on May 15, 2026, from Oriire Local Government Area are still within the Old Oyo National Park axis, as security operations continue to secure their release.
Governor Provides Update on Rescue Efforts
Providing an update on Friday, June 12, Makinde explained that the vast 2,500 square kilometre terrain of the park has made the rescue operation complex, stressing that it requires patience, coordination, and sustained persistence from security agencies involved.
Makinde, in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, said the victims remain the focus of ongoing security operations. The governor noted that it has been 27 days since the students and teachers were kidnapped from their schools.
Government Commitment to Safe Return
Makinde assured residents that the government, in collaboration with security forces, is fully committed to ensuring the safe return of the victims, adding that all necessary resources have been deployed to track and rescue them alive.
He noted that multiple security formations are working in coordination within and around the forest reserve, with intelligence-driven operations ongoing to locate and close in on the abductors. He also emphasized that the difficult terrain, dense vegetation, and scattered hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park continue to pose operational challenges for rescue teams.
Intelligence Reports and Operational Challenges
Makinde maintained that the state government and security agencies have not relented in their efforts, stressing that, “Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees.
“Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State.
“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination, and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation.”
Appeal for Public Support
The governor therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, assuring the public that all credible reports would receive prompt attention.
He also cautioned against the circulation of unverified information regarding the abduction, warning that, “Misinformation can compromise ongoing rescue efforts and hinder security operations.”
Makinde implored residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information and to keep the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts intensify to secure their safe return.
“We will get them home safely,” the Governor said, reaffirming his confidence in the ongoing rescue mission.
