Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the rugged landscape and vast size of the Old Oyo National Park are hampering ongoing efforts to rescue schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in parts of Oriire Local Government Area.
In Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, Makinde disclosed that intelligence reports suggest the abducted victims are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park corridor, nearly four weeks after the incident.
He reaffirmed that the victims remain the central focus of continuous security operations.
The students and teachers were abducted on May 15 after terrorists attacked the Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, killing a teacher and taking more than 45 pupils and staff.
Makinde noted that it has been 27 days since the attack, describing the situation as deeply painful for families and affected communities. He acknowledged the growing anxiety but insisted that government assurances remain in place despite the passage of time.
According to him, security agencies have not relented in their efforts, stressing that all credible intelligence is being pursued to secure the victims’ release.
“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” he said.
He explained that the Old Oyo National Park spans about 2,500 square kilometres across ten local government areas, making operations complex and demanding careful coordination.
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Makinde urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious movements through the state emergency line, 615, assuring that all reports would be acted upon promptly.
He also warned against spreading unverified information about the abduction, saying misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations.
The governor appealed for continued public support and prayers as security agencies intensify efforts to bring the victims home safely.