Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed that the schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped from schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yewota communities in Oriire Local Government Area are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park axis.
The victims were abducted 27 days ago, and security agencies are continuing efforts to secure their release.
Governor Makinde made the disclosure in his Newsletter No. 140, released on Friday, June 12, stating that the victims remain within the area where rescue operations are currently focused.
The governor acknowledged the growing anxiety among affected families and communities, describing the situation as deeply distressing.
“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 the 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.”
Makinde admitted that repeated assurances about a safe rescue may have become difficult for many people to accept as the days pass without the return of the victims.
Reactions to Makinde’s Update
The governor’s statement generated reactions from Nigerians.
JB said:
“Thank God everything works for good. GSM’s hapless comment as a mere CSO of the state has hastened PBAT’s renewed hope agenda on state police. It made everyone except the enablers of terrorism sit up on the state police issue.”
Joe Vinnie questioned the governor’s update:
“Are they still alive? Are they well fed? The same thing government officials were saying during the Chibok girls abduction. Weak governor.”
Tayme expressed concern:
“People’s patience is running out. We can’t afford to be another Kwara that allowed these bandits to escape and now attack on a monthly basis.”
ThatCIA criticized the governor:
“He should be suspended immediately. This man isn’t exempt. It’s almost a month and he can’t provide for those kids.”
Peter Obi Reacts
Earlier, presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the abduction of the schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Obi appealed for the release of the victims in the name of humanity and expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country.
The former governor of Anambra State urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.
