Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area are believed to still be within the broader Old Oyo National Park corridor, 27 days after they were kidnapped.

The governor disclosed this in Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, assuring residents that efforts to secure the victims' safe release remain ongoing and that the abductees continue to be the primary focus of security operations.

Makinde acknowledged the anguish and uncertainty experienced by families and communities affected by the incident, describing the situation as deeply troubling.

"It is extremely difficult for me to even ask how you are doing. It has been 27 days since our children and teachers were forcefully taken from their schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area," he said.

"For 27 days, families have gone to bed without their loved ones. For 27 days, communities have lived with uncertainty. For 27 days, our children and teachers have remained in captivity."

The governor admitted that repeated assurances from the government may have become difficult for residents to accept as the victims remain in captivity.

"I know that many times I have said, 'We will get them home safely.' But I also know that having heard these words so often, without seeing that outcome yet, they may now sound hollow. Please trust that they are not. We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely," he stated.

Makinde explained that while details of the rescue operation cannot be made public for security reasons, the state government and security agencies continue to pursue all credible leads.

"We cannot share the details of what we are doing, but you can rest assured that every single day, we continue to pursue every credible lead and take every lawful action available to secure their release," he said.

Addressing the families of the abducted victims, the governor assured them that their loved ones have not been forgotten.

"To the parents, relatives, friends and colleagues of those still in captivity: I know that no statement can ease your pain. But please know that your loved ones remain at the centre of our efforts every single day," he added.

Providing the most significant update since the abduction occurred, Makinde said intelligence reports suggest the victims are still within the expansive Old Oyo National Park corridor.

"One thing I can say is that our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis," he said.

According to the governor, the area spans parts of 10 local government areas and covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres, making rescue operations particularly challenging.

He noted that the vast terrain requires patience, coordination and sustained effort from security personnel.

"This is not an issue affecting only Oriire Local Government Area; it concerns all of us. The size and terrain of the area require patience, coordination and persistence. It also means that vigilance from members of the public remains extremely important," he said.

Makinde urged residents to support ongoing security operations by reporting suspicious activities through the state's emergency reporting line.

"If you see anything suspicious, please call 615, the Oyo State Citizens Enquiry Number. The line is toll-free and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your report will be received and acted upon," he said.

The governor also cautioned against the spread of rumours and unverified information, warning that misinformation could hinder efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.

"We will continue to provide factual updates on the efforts being made to bring our children and their teachers home. However, I must once again appeal to all of us not to spread unverified information about these abductions," he said.

"Please rely on official channels for information. These are sensitive matters, and we must avoid anything that could jeopardise rescue efforts."

Makinde further appealed to residents to remain vigilant, continue supporting security agencies and pray for the safe return of the victims.

"Continue to pray for their safe return. Continue to remain vigilant. And continue to support the efforts of our security agencies as we work towards bringing every one of them home safely," he said.

He thanked residents for their patience, cooperation and continued support throughout the ongoing rescue efforts.

"Thank you for your patience, your vigilance and your prayers," the governor added.