Makinde Reassures Families as Search for Abducted Pupils, Teachers Enters 27th Day

The Oyo State Government has reassured families of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area that efforts to secure their safe release remain ongoing.

Governor Seyi Makinde gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday, acknowledging the pain and uncertainty being experienced by the affected families since the abduction occurred 27 days ago.

The governor said the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to weigh heavily on the government and residents of the state.

“It is extremely difficult for me to even ask how you are doing,” Makinde said.

Reflecting on the situation, the governor noted that for 27 days, families had been separated from their loved ones while communities continued to live in uncertainty.

“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,” he stated.

Makinde explained that while the government could not disclose operational details, security agencies and relevant authorities were working daily to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

“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,” he said.

The governor sympathised with parents, relatives, friends and colleagues of the victims, assuring them that the abductees had not been forgotten.

“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 added.

Providing an update on the search operation, Makinde disclosed that security reports indicated that the victims remained within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.

According to him, the area spans parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State and covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres, making rescue efforts particularly challenging.

“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 said.

The governor stressed that the abduction was not solely an Oriire Local Government issue but one that concerned the entire state, calling for patience, coordination and public vigilance.

He urged residents to report suspicious activities through the Oyo State Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, noting that the toll-free line operates round the clock.

“If you see anything suspicious, please call 615, the Oyo State Citizens Enquiry Number. The line is toll-free and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your report will be received and acted upon,” Makinde said.

He also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the abductions, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.

“Please rely on official channels for information. These are sensitive matters, and we must avoid anything that could jeopardise rescue efforts,” he said.

The governor further called on residents to continue praying for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers while supporting the efforts of security agencies working to secure their release.

“Continue to pray for their safe return. Continue to remain vigilant. And continue to support the efforts of our security agencies as we work towards bringing every one of them home safely,” Makinde stated.