Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that teachers and students who were kidnapped by alleged bandits in the state’s Oriire Local Government Area are being detained at the Old Oyo National Park.
Almost four weeks after the victims were abducted, Makunde revealed this information on Friday while providing an update on the rescue attempts.
The victims were taken away following coordinated attacks on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle towns on May 15, 2026, and the governor stated that security authorities are actively attempting to obtain their safe release.
He claims that intelligence inputs show the kidnappers are still inside the vast Old Oyo National Park area, which covers ten local government areas in Oyo State and is over 2,500 square kilometres in size.
Makinde noted that security officers face operational problems due to the park’s wide and challenging terrain, necessitating meticulous planning, coordination, and persistent attempts to accomplish a successful rescue mission.
Nonetheless, the governor reassured the populace that all legitimate leads are being investigated and that all legal means are being used to guarantee the victims’ safe rescue. Additionally, he advised the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity by calling the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615.
Additionally, he cautioned against the dissemination of unverified information, pointing out that false information could jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts. He urged locals to keep providing security agencies with helpful information and to remember the kidnapped teachers and students in their prayers as efforts to secure their release continue.
“One thing I can say is that they continue to be within the larger Old Oyo National Park axis, according to our security reports. This enormous region, which covers almost 2,500 square kilometres, spans portions of ten local government districts in our state.
“I bring this up to help us grasp the scope of the task at hand, not to demoralise anyone. This problem is not limited to the Oriire Local Government Area.
“We are all concerned about this situation. The area’s vastness and topography demand perseverance, coordination, and patience. Additionally, it indicates that public vigilance is still crucial, he stated.