The governor of Nigeria’s southwestern Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that a group of schoolchildren and teachers abducted nearly a month ago are still being held inside a vast national park.
Dozens of students and staff were seized 27 days ago during coordinated raids by suspected bandits on three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, located within the Oriire Local Government Area.
In his latest official briefing, Governor Makinde stated that intelligence reports place the hostages within the Old Oyo National Park. He acknowledged that the terrain is severely complicating rescue operations.
“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination, and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” Mr. Makinde said.
The park spans approximately 2,500 square kilometres (965 square miles) and stretches across ten different local government areas, providing dense cover for criminal gangs.
Mass abductions, often targeting schools for ransom, have become a persistent security challenge across parts of Nigeria, though they are more frequent in the northwest and central regions.
Local media reported that the victims were taken on 15 May from the Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, alongside the Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele.
Addressing the growing anxiety of the victims’ families, the governor said he understood that official assurances “might offer little comfort as the days continue to pass.” However, he insisted that security forces had “not relented” and were pursuing every credible lead.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to a state emergency hotline. Mr. Makinde also warned the public against spreading unverified information online, stating that misinformation risks compromising the safety of the hostages and hindering ongoing military and police operations.
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