Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that his administration is intensifying efforts to secure the release of the pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the victims remain at the centre of government and security agencies’ operations.

In a message to Oyo State citizens contained in his monthly newsletter, Makinde acknowledged the pain and anxiety experienced by families and communities since the abduction of the victims from schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities 27 days ago.

The governor described the prolonged captivity of the pupils and teachers as a difficult period for the state, noting that many families have endured weeks of uncertainty since their loved ones were taken away.

“It has been 27 days since our children and teachers were forcefully taken from their schools,” Makinde said. “For 27 days, families have gone to bed without their loved ones. For 27 days, communities have lived with uncertainty.”

While admitting that repeated assurances may have become difficult for some residents to believe, the governor insisted that efforts to secure the release of the victims have not slowed down.

“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,” he stated.

Makinde said details of ongoing operations could not be disclosed for security reasons but assured residents that authorities are pursuing every credible lead and taking all lawful steps necessary to rescue the captives.

According to him, intelligence reports indicate that the abducted pupils and teachers remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast area spanning parts of 10 local government areas and covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres.

He noted that the size and terrain of the area present significant challenges to rescue efforts, adding that the situation requires patience, coordination and persistence from security operatives.

The governor also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, which operates round the clock.

Makinde further appealed to residents to avoid spreading unverified information about the abduction, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations.

He assured families of the victims that their loved ones have not been forgotten and remain a top priority for the state government and security agencies.

“We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely,” the governor said, while calling on residents to continue praying for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, has continued to generate concern across Oyo State, with residents and stakeholders anxiously awaiting the safe return of the victims.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents that his administration is intensifying efforts to secure the release of the pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the victims remain at the centre of government and security agencies’ operations.

In a message to Oyo State citizens contained in his monthly newsletter, Makinde acknowledged the pain and anxiety experienced by families and communities since the abduction of the victims from schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities 27 days ago.

The governor described the prolonged captivity of the pupils and teachers as a difficult period for the state, noting that many families have endured weeks of uncertainty since their loved ones were taken away.

“It has been 27 days since our children and teachers were forcefully taken from their schools,” Makinde said. “For 27 days, families have gone to bed without their loved ones. For 27 days, communities have lived with uncertainty.”

While admitting that repeated assurances may have become difficult for some residents to believe, the governor insisted that efforts to secure the release of the victims have not slowed down.

“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,” he stated.

Makinde said details of ongoing operations could not be disclosed for security reasons but assured residents that authorities are pursuing every credible lead and taking all lawful steps necessary to rescue the captives.

According to him, intelligence reports indicate that the abducted pupils and teachers remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast area spanning parts of 10 local government areas and covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres.

He noted that the size and terrain of the area present significant challenges to rescue efforts, adding that the situation requires patience, coordination and persistence from security operatives.

The governor also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, which operates round the clock.

Makinde further appealed to residents to avoid spreading unverified information about the abduction, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations.

He assured families of the victims that their loved ones have not been forgotten and remain a top priority for the state government and security agencies.

“We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely,” the governor said, while calling on residents to continue praying for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, has continued to generate concern across Oyo State, with residents and stakeholders anxiously awaiting the safe return of the victims.