IBADAN, Oyo State — Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that students and teachers abducted from a school in Oyo State are still believed to be within the Old Oyo National Park, as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release nearly a month after the incident.
Makinde disclosed the update while speaking on ongoing rescue operations, noting that intelligence reports suggest the victims have not been moved far from the forested area where they were taken. He said security operatives are continuing coordinated search efforts within the vast national park and surrounding locations.
The governor stated that the state government is working closely with federal security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals. He stressed that the priority remains the protection of lives and the swift resolution of the crisis without harm to the victims.
According to him, the situation has remained a source of concern for both the state and families of the victims, especially as the abduction has lasted for approximately 27 days. He assured that all necessary resources are being deployed to track the abductors and rescue those held.
Security agencies have reportedly intensified surveillance and search operations within the Old Oyo National Park, an area known for its dense forest cover, which has in recent years been linked to criminal hideouts and kidnapping routes. Officials say the terrain poses significant operational challenges for rescue teams.
Makinde reiterated that the government will not relent until the victims are safely reunited with their families, adding that collaboration between security forces and local intelligence networks remains key to achieving progress in the operation.
He also urged residents to remain calm and continue to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in locating the abductors. Authorities have maintained a heightened security presence across vulnerable communities as part of broader efforts to prevent further incidents.
The incident has once again drawn attention to rising security concerns in parts of the country, particularly attacks targeting schools and rural communities, with stakeholders calling for stronger preventive measures and improved security infrastructure.
