Oyo Kidnapping: Governor Seyi Makinde reveals location of bandits

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that the pupils and teachers kidnapped from schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area are still believed to be within the broader Old Oyo National Park region.

The governor made this known in Newsletter No. 140, issued on Friday, as efforts by security agencies continue to secure the freedom of the victims, nearly four weeks after they were taken.

Expressing concern over the ordeal, Makinde acknowledged the anguish being experienced by affected families and residents, describing the situation as one that has brought immense emotional strain.

According to him, the continued detention of the schoolchildren and their teachers has left families and communities grappling with grief, worry, and uncertainty.

He said, “It is extremely difficult for me to even ask how you are doing. It has been 27 days since our children and teachers were forcefully taken from their schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of the 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.”

While noting that certain operational details must remain confidential for security reasons, the governor assured residents that authorities were actively working on every available lead to achieve the victims’ release.

He stated: “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,”

Makinde also recognised that repeated assurances from the government may be difficult for some people to embrace given that the captives have not yet regained their freedom.

He said: “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,”

“To the parents, relatives, friends and colleagues of those still in captivity: I know that no statement can ease your pain. But please know that your loved ones have not been forgotten. They remain at the centre of our efforts every single day,” he said.

Speaking directly to relatives of the abducted pupils and teachers, the governor reiterated that the safe return of their loved ones remains the government’s foremost priority.

Offering further insight into the ongoing rescue mission, Makinde disclosed that intelligence gathered by security operatives indicated the victims were still located somewhere within the extensive Old Oyo National Park corridor.

Makinde further stated: “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.”

He explained that the sheer size of the area, combined with its challenging landscape, has significantly complicated rescue operations being carried out by security personnel.

The Governor said: “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.”