Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, had disclosed that the school pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire are still within the wider axis of the Old Oyo National Park.
He gave the update in a message by the state government to the families of the abductees, declaring “Your Loved Ones Remain at Centre of Our Efforts.”
The message was contained in his bi-monthly The Business of Governance Newsletter, No 140, June, 2026.
Makinde and his message of hope
He further said that it has become extremely difficult for him to even ask how you are doing, some 27 days after the abduction of the school pupils and their teachers.
“It has been 27 days since our children and teachers were forcefully taken from their schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
“For 27 days, families have gone to bed without their loved ones. For 27 days, communities have lived with uncertainty. For 27 days, our children and teachers have remained in captivity.
“I know that many times I have said, ‘We will get them home safely’. But I also know that having heard these words so often, without seeing that outcome yet, they may now sound hollow or empty.
“Please trust that they are not. We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely.”
The governor further explained the constraints in revealing to the public the extent of the efforts to ensure the safe return of the abductees.
“We cannot share the details of what we are doing, but you can rest assured that every single day, we continue to pursue every credible lead and take every lawful action available to us to secure their release,” he stated.
The governor acknowledged the fact no statement can ease the pain of the parents, relatives, friends, and colleagues of the abductees still in captivity.
He, however, pleaded: “But please know that your loved ones have not been forgotten. They remain at the centre of our efforts every single day.
“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 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.
If you see anything suspicious, please call 615, the Oyo State Citizens Enquiry Number. The line is toll-free and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your report will be received and acted upon,” he noted.
The governor assured that his administration will continue to provide factual updates on the efforts being made to bring the children and their teachers home.
He, however, once again appealed to the public not to spread unverified information about the abduction and the victims.
“Please rely on official channels for information. These are sensitive matters, and we must avoid anything that could jeopardise rescue efforts.
“Continue to pray for their safe return. Continue to remain vigilant. And continue to support the efforts of our security agencies as we work towards bringing every one of them home safely.
“Thank you for your patience, your vigilance and your prayers. Talk to you again soon,” the governor added.
The latest update by the governor came against several unconfirmed conflicting reports, especially on social media, which have been raising apprehension in the public about the fate of the abducted school pupils and their teachers.
