OYO State governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured families of the abducted pupils and teachers of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Baptist High School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area that his administration remains committed to securing their safe release.
Makinde gave the assurance in his latest Business of Governance newsletter, released on Friday, as the victims marked 27 days in captivity.
The governor acknowledged the pain and frustration of the affected families, noting that repeated assurances from government may appear hollow given the prolonged nature of the ordeal.
“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,” he said.
Makinde admitted that he had repeatedly promised that the victims would be rescued safely, but insisted that the commitment of the government had not waned.
“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 stated.
The governor disclosed that while details of ongoing rescue efforts could not be made public for security reasons, government and security agencies were relentlessly pursuing every available lead.
“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 the families of the abductees, Makinde said their loved ones had not been forgotten and remained the focus of government efforts.
“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,” he said.
The governor revealed that intelligence reports indicated that the victims remained within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas in the state.
According to him, the size and terrain of the area have complicated rescue operations, requiring patience, coordination and persistence from security agencies.
Makinde urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615.
“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 said.
The governor also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information about the abduction, warning that such actions could jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts.
He assured residents that government would continue to provide factual updates on efforts to secure the release of the victims and appealed for continued prayers and support for security agencies working on the operation.
“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,” Makinde added.
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