Governor says rescue operations ongoing as 27-day search continues across vast forest axis.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park.
In Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, Makinde said intelligence reports indicate the victims remain within the vast forest axis covering about 2,500 square kilometres across several local government areas in the state.
The abductees were taken on May 15, 2026, during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. The governor noted that it has been 27 days since the incident.
Makinde said security agencies are pursuing all credible leads and intensifying efforts to secure their release, stressing that the difficult terrain of the forest is slowing operations but has not halted the rescue mission.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s emergency line, while warning against the spread of misinformation that could disrupt ongoing security efforts.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, adding that coordinated rescue operations are still ongoing.