Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents of Oyo State that efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers from the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area remain ongoing, 27 days after their abduction.

In a message addressed to Oyo State citizens, the governor acknowledged the pain and frustration of families whose loved ones remain in captivity, noting that repeated assurances of their safe return may now seem hollow due to the prolonged ordeal.
Makinde, however, insisted that the state government and security agencies are pursuing every credible lead and taking all lawful measures to rescue the victims safely, though operational details cannot be disclosed for security reasons.

The governor revealed that intelligence reports indicate the abducted pupils and teachers are still within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast area spanning parts of 10 local government areas and covering about 2,500 square kilometres.

He stressed that the scale and terrain of the area present significant challenges, making patience, coordination and persistence essential in the rescue efforts.

Makinde also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, which operates круглосуточно.
The governor further appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the abduction, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations. He called on residents to continue praying for the safe return of the victims and to support security agencies working to secure their release.

“We will continue to provide factual updates on the efforts being made to bring our children and their teachers home,” he said. “They remain at the centre of our efforts every single day.”