Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde says bandits hiding within the expansive Old Oyo National Park are behind the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils, while authorities work relentlessly to secure their release.
The hostage crisis in Oyo State is far from over, but Governor Seyi Makinde says the government is pulling out all the stops to bring the victims home safely.
According to Peoples Gazette, Makinde revealed that bandits operating from the vast Old Oyo National Park have effectively held parts of the state hostage, using the difficult terrain as a base for their criminal activities. The governor said security agencies are working around the clock to rescue the abducted teachers and pupils taken from communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The kidnapping saga has sparked outrage and anxiety across the state, with families desperately awaiting the return of their loved ones. As the source reports, Makinde appealed for patience and prayers, insisting that the government has not relented in its efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.
The governor’s comments come against the backdrop of growing security concerns around the Old Oyo National Park area, which has witnessed repeated attacks linked to armed groups. Earlier this year, suspected bandits attacked a National Park facility in Oloka, killing forest guards and prompting fresh security measures in the region.
