Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that the abducted students and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area are still believed to be within the Old Oyo National Park axis, as security operations continue to secure their release.
The governor said the vast terrain of the park, which covers about 2,500 square kilometres, has made the rescue operation complex and demanding.
According to him, the nature of the area requires patience, coordination and sustained persistence from the security agencies involved in the operation.
Makinde assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with security forces, remains fully committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.
He said all necessary resources had been deployed to track the abductors and rescue the victims alive.
The governor disclosed that multiple security formations are working in coordination within and around the forest reserve, with intelligence-driven operations ongoing to locate and close in on the kidnappers.
He noted that the difficult terrain, dense vegetation and scattered hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park continue to pose operational challenges for rescue teams.
Makinde urged residents of surrounding communities to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the ongoing rescue efforts.
He also warned against speculation capable of undermining security operations or causing panic among families of the victims.
The governor appealed for calm, stressing that security agencies are maintaining continuous pressure on the area until the abducted students and teachers are safely rescued and reunited with their families.
“We will get them home safely,” Makinde said, reaffirming his confidence in the ongoing rescue mission.
