IBADAN, OYO STATE — The Seyi Makinde has confirmed through a senior aide that there has been no release yet of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, as security agencies intensify rescue operations across suspected forest routes in the state.
The aide clarified that contrary to circulating rumours on social media, no victims have been recovered or released at the time of reporting, stressing that ongoing rescue operations remain active and coordinated.
Security sources indicated that joint teams involving the police, local vigilantes, and other security formations have been deployed to strategic locations believed to be linked to the movement of the abductors.
Search efforts are reportedly focused on forest corridors and border communities within and around Oyo State, where intelligence suggests the suspects may be hiding with the victims.
The state government reiterated that it is working closely with federal security agencies to ensure the safe return of all abducted pupils and teachers without harm.
Officials also disclosed that tactical surveillance operations have been expanded, including patrol reinforcement and monitoring of escape routes used in similar past incidents.
The abduction has sparked widespread concern among parents, community leaders, and civil society groups, many of whom have called for urgent and sustained action to prevent further attacks on educational institutions.
Residents in affected communities have reportedly increased vigilance, with some local groups organizing night watches and intelligence sharing to assist security forces.
Security analysts note that school kidnappings often require complex rescue strategies due to the mobility of perpetrators and the difficulty of accessing remote forest terrain.
They also emphasize that successful rescue operations depend heavily on timely intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and community cooperation.
Government officials have appealed for calm, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could disrupt ongoing operations or endanger the victims.
The Oyo State government assured that updates will be provided as verified information becomes available, while maintaining that the priority remains the safe and unharmed return of the abducted individuals.
As operations continue, attention remains focused on security agencies working under tight coordination to track the suspects and secure the release of the pupils and teachers.
