Seyi Makinde has confirmed that the students and teachers abducted in Oyo State are still being held within the forest area of the Old Oyo National Park, as efforts continue to secure their release.
Governor Makinde made the statement on Thursday, June 12, 2026, during a media briefing in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while providing an update on the ongoing rescue operation involving security agencies and local intelligence networks.
According to the governor, intelligence reports available to the state government indicate that the victims have not been moved outside the national park, contrary to fears that they might have been transferred to another state or deeper into remote forest corridors.
Makinde stated that security operatives, including the police, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and other tactical teams, are actively combing the area to locate and rescue the victims safely.
He explained that the government is prioritizing the safe recovery of the abducted students and teachers, stressing that authorities are being cautious to avoid actions that could endanger their lives.
The governor noted that the difficult terrain of the national park has posed significant operational challenges for rescue teams. The vast forest reserve, which stretches across parts of Oyo, Kwara, and Niger states, is known for its dense vegetation and hard-to-access routes, making surveillance and tactical movement difficult.
The victims were abducted when armed kidnappers attacked a group of students and teachers during an educational trip near the park. The incident sparked concern among parents, residents, and education stakeholders, with growing calls for urgent government intervention.
Makinde reassured families of the victims that the state government remains fully committed to securing their release. He urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could disrupt rescue efforts.
He also reiterated the need for stronger security around schools, tourist sites, and other vulnerable public spaces, especially in areas close to forests where criminal groups often operate.
The governor said the Oyo State Government is maintaining close coordination with federal security agencies and neighboring states to ensure that all escape routes are monitored.
As rescue operations continue, residents and families await further updates, hoping for the safe return of the abducted students and teachers. Authorities have pledged to sustain pressure on the kidnappers until the victims are rescued.
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