By Dan Zendesha 

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has attributed the delay in rescuing abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area to the difficult terrain and vast size of the Old Oyo National Park. According to the governor, intelligence reports indicate that the victims remain in captivity within the park area, nearly four weeks after the attack on three schools.

Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed that the abducted pupils and teachers taken from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are still being held by their captors within the Old Oyo National Park axis.

In Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, the governor said intelligence reports available to security agencies indicate that the victims remain within the expansive national park area, which covers about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. During the attack, a teacher was reportedly killed while more than 45 pupils and teachers were taken away.

Makinde noted that it has been 27 days since the abduction, acknowledging the anxiety, grief and uncertainty being experienced by affected families and communities.

The governor reiterated that security agencies have continued rescue operations and are pursuing all credible intelligence aimed at securing the safe release of the victims.

According to him, the vast size of the Old Oyo National Park and its challenging terrain have complicated security operations, requiring careful coordination, patience and sustained tactical efforts.

Makinde assured residents that the state government remains committed to securing the release of the abductees and urged members of the public to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through the state's toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615.

He also warned against spreading unverified information, stating that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue efforts and compromise security operations.

The governor appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information while keeping the abducted pupils and teachers in their thoughts and prayers.