Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed that the 46 schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park.
Makinde provided the update on Friday, nearly four weeks after the victims were taken.
He assured the public that security agencies are working tirelessly to safely rescue the victims.
The hostages were seized on May 15, 2026, during coordinated attacks on schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities.
According to him, intelligence reports indicate that the abductees remain within the expansive Old Oyo National Park area, which spans about 2,500 square kilometres across ten local government areas in Oyo State.
Makinde pointed out that the vast and difficult terrain of the park has created operational challenges for security personnel, requiring careful planning, coordination, and sustained efforts to achieve a successful rescue mission.
The governor, however, assured residents that every credible lead is being pursued and all lawful measures are being deployed to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615.
He also warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations, calling on residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information and to keep the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their freedom continue.
“One thing I can say is that our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis. This is a vast area that stretches across parts of 10 local government areas in our State, covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres.
“I mention this not to discourage anyone, but to help us understand the scale of the challenge before us. This is not an issue affecting only the Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is an issue that concerns all of us. The size and terrain of the area require patience, coordination and persistence. It also means that vigilance from members of the public remains extremely important,” he said.
