Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has disclosed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park.

Makinde, in a statement issued on Friday, said the victims have remained in captivity for 27 days, leaving their families and communities anxious over their fate.

The governor assured residents that the state government, working with security agencies, is intensifying efforts to secure the safe release of the abductees.

According to him, intelligence reports indicate that the victims are being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park corridor, a vast area spanning about 2,500 square kilometres across 10 local government areas of the state.

Makinde noted that the size and difficult terrain of the park have complicated rescue operations, requiring patience, strategic planning and sustained coordination among security operatives.

He said all credible intelligence is being acted upon and every lawful measure is being deployed to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed.

The governor also warned against the spread of unverified reports about the incident, stressing that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue efforts and compromise security operations.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information that could aid the operation and help bring the abductees home safely.