Governor Makinde Says Rescue Of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said the safe rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, remains the top priority of his administration, as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release.

The governor disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, assuring residents that the state government was providing full support to security agencies conducting coordinated rescue operations.

Key Highlights:

“Security agencies have continued intensive operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted children and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area.

“These efforts remain active and coordinated, with government providing every necessary support to the security agencies involved,” Governor Makinde said.

As part of measures to strengthen the ongoing operations, the governor announced a temporary 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.

According to him, the restriction is intended to enhance security operations and improve the conditions required for the rescue mission, urging residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security personnel.

Governor akinde also said his administration is making arrangements to ensure schools resume safely despite the prevailing security challenges.

He stressed that the government would take all necessary precautions to safeguard pupils, teachers and their communities, insisting that education could not remain suspended indefinitely.

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“Education remains too important to be placed indefinitely on hold, and every decision continues to balance learning with the safety of our children,” he said.

The governor further revealed that the delivery of the state’s surveillance aircraft had entered its final phase, but had been delayed beyond the expected June timeline due to additional technical, regulatory and safety procedures.

He explained that the remaining processes were necessary to ensure the aircraft would be fully operational immediately after delivery.

According to Governor Makinde, the aircraft will significantly boost Oyo State’s capacity for aerial surveillance, rapid emergency response and other security operations, while also supporting critical government functions.

He assured residents that the government would continue to provide updates on both the rescue operation and the aircraft’s delivery, reiterating his administration’s commitment to improving public safety, education, infrastructure and other strategic sectors despite the current security challenges.