Makinde: Difficult Terrain Slowing Rescue Of Oyo Pupils, Teachers
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has given a fresh update on efforts to rescue the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, saying intelligence indicates the victims remain within the Old Oyo National Park.
Makinde gave the update on Friday in his Newsletter No. 140, noting that the abductees remain the focus of ongoing security operations. He stated that 27 days had passed since the students and teachers were forcibly taken from their schools, leaving families and communities in distress and uncertainty.
The PUNCH reports that scores of teachers and students were seized during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, on Friday, May 15, 2026. Armed men attacked the schools near Ogbomoso and kidnapped about 39 pupils and seven teachers, triggering widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools. Two of the abducted teachers, including Michael Oyedokun, were later reported killed in captivity.
The governor acknowledged the pain and anxiety of the affected families. He said that although he had repeatedly assured residents the victims would be rescued and reunited with their loved ones, he understood such assurances might offer little comfort as the days continued to pass.
Makinde maintained that the state government and security agencies had not relented, stressing that “every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees.”
He said: “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 governor added: “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.”
The terrain has shaped the operation from the outset. Makinde had earlier disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to support search-and-rescue missions. Personnel of the police, military, the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun, and local hunters were also mobilised to pursue the attackers.
Makinde urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, assuring that all credible reports would receive prompt attention.
He also cautioned against the circulation of unverified information, warning that “misinformation can compromise ongoing rescue efforts and hinder security operations.” A claim circulated earlier in the captivity period that the victims had been freed was dismissed by the Oyo State Police Command as false.
The governor implored residents to keep 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.