Abducted Oyo Students, Teachers Still Within Old Oyo National Park – Seyi Makinde

Akahi News gathered that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has provided a fresh update on efforts to rescue the schoolchildren and their teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The governor confirmed that the abductees are still within the Old Oyo National Park, a vast expanse covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State. It has been 27 days since the abduction on May 15, 2026.

Who are the people involved in this ongoing crisis?

The victims: schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire LGA, Oyo State. The abductors: suspected bandits (still holding the victims). The governor: Seyi Makinde (Oyo State). Security agencies: military, police, DSS (conducting operations). The National Park: Old Oyo National Park (where victims are held). The families of the victims (in distress and uncertainty for 27 days). The public (urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities).

Where are the victims being held?

Within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis. The park covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State. The size and difficult terrain pose significant operational challenges for security personnel.

What did Governor Makinde reveal?

He confirmed that intelligence reports indicate the victims are still being held within the national park. He acknowledged that it has been 27 days since the abduction. He stated that every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free number (615). He also warned against circulating unverified information.

When did this happen?

The abduction occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026. Governor Makinde provided the update on Friday, June 12, 2026 – exactly 27 days after the abduction. The news was published on June 12, 2026.

Why is the rescue taking so long?

The national park is vast – 2,500 square kilometres. The terrain is difficult. Security personnel face significant operational challenges. A rescue operation requires patience, strategic coordination, and sustained efforts. The government is prioritising the safety of the victims – a forceful rescue could lead to casualties.

How can residents help?

Residents can report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number: 615. They can also support security agencies with useful information. They are urged to avoid circulating unverified information, as misinformation can compromise rescue efforts.

7 key things Akahi News gathered about the Oyo abduction update.

1. It has been 27 days – and the victims are still within the national park. Twenty-seven days is a long time. Children have been held in a forest for nearly a month. The government has confirmed their location but has not rescued them. That is both reassuring (they are located) and alarming (they are still captive). The park is vast, but not infinite. The government knows where they are. The question is: why are they still there?

2. The Old Oyo National Park covers 2,500 square kilometres across ten LGAs. That is enormous. Searching such a vast area is like finding a needle in a haystack. The terrain is difficult – thick forest, hills, rivers. Security forces cannot simply march in. They need intelligence, coordination, and patience. The size of the park explains the delay – but does not excuse it.

3. The governor acknowledged that his assurances “might offer little comfort” after 27 days. That is an honest admission. Makinde has repeatedly assured residents that the victims would be rescued. But as days pass, those assurances ring hollow. He recognises that. His honesty is refreshing. But honesty does not rescue children.

4. The government is deploying “every lawful measure” – but not every possible measure. The phrase “every lawful measure” is careful language. It means no illegal actions – no torture, no extrajudicial killings, no violating human rights. That is good. But it also means the government may be ruling out certain aggressive tactics. The kidnappers have no such constraints. They will kill. The government will not. That is a disadvantage.

5. Residents are being asked to report suspicious activities via 615. The toll-free number is a tool. But will it work? Residents may be afraid to report. They may not trust the police. They may assume someone else will call. The government must build confidence – and act on reports quickly. A tip line is only useful if tips lead to action.

6. The governor warned against misinformation – it can compromise rescue efforts. False reports can mislead security forces. They can cause panic. They can alert kidnappers to government movements. Citizens must be careful. But the government must also provide timely, accurate information. A vacuum of information will be filled by rumours.

7. The victims remain the focus – but no timeline for rescue was given. Makinde said the victims “remain the focus.” He did not say “we will rescue them by [date].” He did not give a timeline. That is realistic – rescue operations are unpredictable. But families need hope. A vague focus is not as comforting as a plan.

How this affects Nigerians.

i. It confirms that the victims are alive – but still in danger. Knowing they are within the national park is better than not knowing. But 27 days in captivity is dangerous. Disease, malnutrition, and violence are risks. The government must act before the situation becomes irreversible.

ii. It highlights the challenge of rescuing hostages from vast, difficult terrain. The Old Oyo National Park is not a small hideout. It is a massive forest. Security forces need drones, satellite imagery, and special forces. Do they have them? If not, the rescue will take longer.

iii. It puts pressure on the government to update families regularly. Families have waited 27 days. They need more than occasional newsletters. They need direct communication. The government should assign a liaison to each family. Daily updates – even if there is no news – build trust.

iv. It warns citizens against spreading unverified information – a necessary caution. False rumours can sabotage rescues. But the government must also distinguish between malicious falsehoods and genuine concerns. Citizens should report. The government should verify. Both sides have responsibilities.

v. It shows that the government is still negotiating – or preparing a rescue. Twenty-seven days suggests negotiation, not a forced rescue. The government may be negotiating for the release of prisoners or payment of ransom. The public may never know. But the delay suggests a complex negotiation.

vi. It raises questions about the capacity of security forces to operate in the park. The park is difficult terrain. Do security forces have the equipment and training for jungle warfare? If not, the federal government must provide it. The victims cannot wait for the military to learn on the job.

vii. It reminds Nigerians that kidnapping is now a long-term crisis – not a short-term emergency. Twenty-seven days. That is not a quick abduction. It is a prolonged hostage situation. Families are suffering. Communities are terrified. The government is struggling. This is not an isolated incident. It is a systemic failure.

Advice from this analyst.

1. To Governor Seyi Makinde: you have confirmed the location. Now act. Deploy all available resources to the national park. Request federal support – drones, special forces, intelligence. Do not let 27 days become 40 days. Every day increases the risk.

2. To the security agencies: focus on the park. Satellite imagery, aerial surveillance, and ground patrols must be coordinated. Use local guides who know the terrain. Do not rely on Abuja-based commanders. Local knowledge is essential.

3. To the families of the victims: your pain is unimaginable. The government has not forgotten you. But you must also advocate. Speak to the media. Speak to human rights groups. Keep the pressure on. Silence from families allows the government to delay.

4. To residents of Oyo State: use the 615 hotline. Report anything suspicious – strangers, unusual vehicles, smoke from the park. Your information could be the breakthrough security forces need. Do not assume someone else will call.

5. To the media: do not sensationalise. Do not spread rumours. Verify information before publishing. The kidnappers are watching. Your headlines become their intelligence. Responsible reporting saves lives.

6. To the federal government: support Oyo State. The Old Oyo National Park is a federal asset. Federal security forces must take the lead. Do not leave the state to fight alone.

7. To the Nigerian public: pray for the victims. But also demand action. Call your representatives. Write to the presidency. Use social media. Public pressure is the only pressure some officials respond to. Make noise.

Rhetorical question for you.

If Governor Makinde knows that the abducted children and teachers are still within the Old Oyo National Park – a known location – why have security forces not rescued them after 27 days?

The answer is complex. The park is vast – 2,500 square kilometres. A rescue operation in difficult terrain risks the lives of the hostages. Negotiations may be ongoing. But complexity is not impossibility. The government has had nearly four weeks. Drones can scan the park. Special forces can infiltrate. Local guides can lead patrols. The longer the delay, the more it looks like incapacity, not caution. The victims are still there. The government knows where “there” is. That is no longer an excuse. It is an indictment.

Akahi News reports that 27 days ago, bandits took schoolchildren and teachers from their classrooms in Oyo State. Today, Governor Makinde says they are still within the Old Oyo National Park. The park is vast. The terrain is difficult. The rescue is complex. But the victims are still captive. Their families are still waiting. Their communities are still afraid. The government knows where they are. Now the government must bring them home. Not next week. Not after negotiations. Now. Every day of delay is a day of trauma – for the victims, for their families, for the nation. The park is not a prison. It is a crime scene. The criminals must be caught. The children must be freed. That is not a request. It is a demand.