Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that the 46 pupils and teachers abducted by suspected bandits on May 15 are still within the Old Oyo National Park corridor.
Makinde disclosed this while giving an update on the rescue efforts in his Newsletter No. 140, released on Friday.
Salient Times had reported how terrorists abducted 46 pupils and teachers in a coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
The crisis worsened days after, when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to nationwide protests by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders, who demanded urgent action.
Last week, reports emerged that the terrorists had made several demands, including the implementation of Sharia law, the payment of N1 billion into an account in the Benin Republic, and the release of some of their leaders currently standing trial.
However, one of the victims, Mrs Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, dismissed the claims in another video released from captivity , saying the kidnappers did not demand a N1 billion ransom or the imposition of Sharia law in Nigeria.
Salient Times reports that calls for rescue efforts and negotiations intensified following a series of videos in which Mrs Alamu appealed to authorities to urgently negotiate their release.
Many Nigerian celebrities have also used their platforms to call on the government and security agencies to expedite efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.
On Wednesday, Afrobeats star Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, appeared on stage at the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert wearing a customised outfit honouring the pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
In a viral backstage video, Davido wore a black leather jacket adorned with green circular buttons bearing the names of the kidnapped students and teachers.
The singer also wore a white T-shirt boldly emblazoned with the word “NIGERIA”, while the back of his jacket carried the inscription, “BRING THEM HOME”.
Addressing the audience moments before taking the stage, Davido said: “Peace and love everywhere. May God be with the families of the abducted and those who have been killed.
“They still haven’t been rescued. We’re praying to God every day. We’re also praying that the government acts quickly. My country is going through a lot. We represent everywhere we go.”
Giving an update barely 28 days after the incident, Makinde acknowledged the pain and anxiety being experienced by the affected families.
The governor said that although he had repeatedly assured residents that the victims would be rescued and reunited with their loved ones, he understood that such assurances might offer little comfort as the days continued to pass.
Makinde said, “Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees.
“Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State.
“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.”
The governor therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, assuring the public that all credible reports would receive prompt attention.
He also cautioned against the circulation of unverified information regarding the abduction, warning that “misinformation can compromise ongoing rescue efforts and hinder security operations.”
