Makinde Speaks On Missing Pupils, Reveals Critical Details On Abduction Case

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area are believed to still be within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Makinde made the disclosure in Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, noting that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the release of the victims, who have now spent 27 days in captivity.

The governor expressed deep concern over the emotional toll the incident has taken on families and communities, describing the situation as distressing and painful.

He said the prolonged captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers has left families in anguish and communities in a state of uncertainty.

“It is extremely difficult for me to even ask how you are doing. It has been 27 days since our children and teachers were forcefully taken from their schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area,” he said.

“For 27 days, families have gone to bed without their loved ones. For 27 days, communities have lived in uncertainty. For 27 days, our children and teachers have remained in captivity.”

Makinde acknowledged that repeated assurances of their safe return may be difficult to accept given the delay in securing their release, but insisted that efforts were ongoing.

“I know I have said many times that we will bring them home safely. I understand that, after this length of time, those words may feel empty. But please believe that they are not. We are doing everything within our power to ensure their safe return,” he said.

The governor added that operational details could not be disclosed for security reasons but assured residents that all credible intelligence was being pursued.

“We cannot share operational details, but every day we are following all credible leads and taking every lawful step to secure their release,” he stated.

Makinde further assured families of the abducted victims that they remain at the centre of ongoing rescue operations.

“To the parents, relatives, friends, and colleagues of those still in captivity, I know no words can ease your pain. But please know your loved ones have not been forgotten. They remain at the heart of our efforts every day,” he said.

Providing an update on the situation, the governor said security intelligence indicates that the victims are still within the vast Old Oyo National Park corridor.

He explained that the park spans parts of 10 local government areas and covers about 2,500 square kilometres, making search and rescue operations particularly challenging.

Makinde noted that the terrain and size of the area require sustained coordination, patience, and vigilance from both security agencies and the public.

He urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity through the state’s emergency hotline, 615, which operates 24/7.

The governor also cautioned against spreading rumours or unverified information, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.

He appealed to residents to rely only on official communication channels and to continue supporting security agencies with prayers, vigilance, and useful information as efforts continue to secure the victims’ release.