“They Remain At Centre Of Our Efforts” — Makinde Breaks Silence on Missing Pupils, Teachers

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reassured families of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area that government has not relented in efforts to secure their freedom, declaring that the victims remain at the heart of ongoing rescue operations.

Speaking 27 days after the abduction, the governor acknowledged the pain and uncertainty being endured by affected families and communities, admitting that repeated assurances may have become difficult to believe in the absence of visible results.

“It is extremely difficult for me to even ask how you are doing,” Makinde said, adding “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.

“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 said he understood that his earlier promises to bring the victims home safely might now sound hollow to many relatives who have continued to wait anxiously for positive news.

“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 or empty. Please trust that they are not. We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely,” he urged.

Makinde disclosed that while the government could not reveal operational details of ongoing rescue efforts, security agencies were working daily to pursue every credible lead in a bid to secure the release of the abductees.

“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 us to secure their release,” he said.

Addressing parents, relatives, friends and colleagues of those still in captivity, the governor appealed for continued faith and patience, assuring them that the victims had 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 have not been forgotten. They remain at the centre of our efforts every single day,” the Governor assured.

Makinde also provided an update on intelligence reports available to security agencies, saying indications suggest that the victims remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.

“One thing I can say is that our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis. This is a vast area that stretches across parts of 10 local government areas in our State, covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres,” he explained.

The governor noted that the scale and terrain of the area presented significant operational challenges, stressing that the issue was no longer one affecting only Oriire Local Government Area but one that concerned the entire state.

“I mention this not to discourage anyone, but to help us understand the scale of the challenge before us. This is not an issue affecting only Oriire Local Government Area. It is an issue that 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 disclosed.

Makinde urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by reporting suspicious activities through the state’s emergency communication channels.

“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 charges.

The governor further pledged that the state government would continue to provide factual updates on developments surrounding the rescue mission while warning against the circulation of rumours and unverified information.

“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. Please rely on official channels for information,” he further appealed – adding “These are sensitive matters, and we must avoid anything that could jeopardise rescue efforts.”

Makinde also appealed to residents to continue praying for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers while supporting security agencies working to secure their freedom.

“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 emphasized.