Nearly four weeks after dozens of schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped from stheir schools in Oyo State, many families are still holding on to hope as efforts to secure their release continue.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area. During the attack, a teacher was killed while more than 45 pupils and teachers were taken away.
Providing an update on Friday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said intelligence reports suggest that the abducted pupils and teachers are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park area.
According to the governor, it has been 27 days since the victims were taken from their schools, leaving their families and communities living with uncertainty and anxiety.
For many young Nigerians, the incident is another painful reminder of the security challenges that continue to affect education in some parts of the country. What should have been a normal school day turned into a nightmare for dozens of pupils, teachers, and their loved ones.
Makinde acknowledged the pain being experienced by affected families, noting that while he had repeatedly assured residents that the victims would be rescued and reunited with their families, he understood that such assurances might bring little comfort as the days continue to pass.
He said the abducted pupils and teachers remain the focus of ongoing security operations.
“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” the governor stated.
Makinde explained that rescue efforts have been complicated by the size and terrain of the Old Oyo National Park axis, where intelligence reports indicate the victims are being held.
The park covers about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State, making security operations more difficult and requiring what the governor described as patience, strategic coordination, and sustained efforts.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615.
The governor warned against spreading unverified information about the abduction, saying misinformation could interfere with ongoing rescue operations.
While families continue to wait for good news, the incident raises fresh concerns about school safety and the need to ensure that classrooms remain places of learning rather than fear. For now, many are hoping that the abducted pupils and teachers will soon return home safely.
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