The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that the 46 kids and instructors kidnapped by suspected bandits on May 15 are still in the Old Oyo National Park corridor.
Makinde announced this in his Newsletter No. 140 which was published today where he updated on the rescue attempts.
Earlier, it was stated that militants, in a coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducted 46 kids and staff on May 15.
Days later the problem deepened when one of the abducted professors, Michael Oyedokun, was purportedly slain by the kidnappers.
The incident led to massive indignation, resulting in rallies around the country by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders demanding quick action.
Last week, allegations emerged that the terrorists had made various demands, including the imposition of Sharia rule, the deposit of N1 billion into an account in the Benin Republic and the release of some of its leaders currently standing trial.
But one of the victims, Mrs Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, dismissed the claims in another video released from captivity, saying the kidnappers did not demand a N1 billion ransom or the imposition of Sharia law in Nigeria.
Repeated appeals by Mrs Alamu to authorities to swiftly negotiate their release in a series of recordings prompted calls for rescue efforts and discussions.
Also, several Nigerian celebrities have used their platforms to call on the government and security authorities to intensify efforts to ensure the freedom of the victims.
Afrobeats musician Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, took to the stage at the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert on Wednesday in a custom-made suit in commemoration of the kids and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State.
Davido was seen in a viral backstage video wearing a black leather jacket with green round buttons that bore the names of the kidnapped children and teachers.
The artist also sported a white T-shirt brazenly branded with the word “NIGERIA” while the back of his jacket said “BRING THEM HOME”
“Peace and love everywhere,” Davido told the audience just before approaching the stage. May the families of those abducted and slaughtered be blessed by God.
“They haven’t been rescued yet. We pray to God every day. We’re hopeful the government moves fast, too. My country is in a lot of trouble. We represent everywhere we go.
Makinde who gave an update only 28 days after the occurrence, also expressed the grief and concern the afflicted families are feeling.
“I have told residents time and time again that the victims would be rescued and reunited with their loved ones,” the governor stated. “But I know that’s no solace when the days continue to tick on.”
“All credible leads are being followed and all lawful measures deployed for the safe release of the abductees,” Makinde stated.
“Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the broader Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering some 2,500 square kilometres, spanning parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State.
“The scale and difficult terrain of the area means that security personnel are facing major operational challenges that require patience, strategic coordination and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation.”
The governor thus appealed to citizens to be watchful and alert and to report any suspicious actions using the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, promising the public that any genuine allegations would receive fast response.
He also warned against spreading unconfirmed information about the abduction, saying “misinformation can endanger ongoing rescue efforts and hamper security operations.”
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