School Abduction: Terrorists Hiding in Forest Covering 10 LGAs — Seyi Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that terrorists responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state are currently hiding within a vast forest spanning 10 local government areas, making rescue operations more difficult.

Makinde made the revelation in his newsletter released 27 days after the attack on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

According to the governor, intelligence reports indicate that the attackers are taking refuge within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a dense and difficult terrain that stretches across multiple local government areas.

He explained that the forest covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres, making it one of the most challenging environments for security operations in the state.

“This is a vast area that stretches across parts of 10 local government areas in our State, covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres,” Makinde stated.

The governor noted that the complexity of the terrain has slowed down efforts by security agencies and other government responders who have been working to locate and rescue the abducted victims.

While acknowledging the difficulty, Makinde stressed that his intention was not to create panic or hopelessness among residents but to provide clarity on the scale of the challenge facing the state.

“I mention this not to discourage anyone, but to help us understand the scale of the challenge before us,” he said.

Makinde assured residents that government and security agencies remain fully committed to locating and rescuing the abducted students and teachers, despite the operational difficulties posed by the forest environment.

He also reaffirmed that ongoing security operations are being coordinated across affected areas to track the movement of the terrorists and prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities and schools.

The abduction, which occurred weeks earlier, has heightened concerns about insecurity in parts of Oyo State, particularly in rural communities near forest reserves.

Authorities have since intensified surveillance and joint security operations in the region as part of efforts to rescue victims and dismantle criminal hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park axis.