The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to rescuing dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, assuring Nigerians that ongoing security operations are making progress and that efforts are underway to secure the safe return of all victims.
The assurance was given by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following growing public concern over the fate of pupils and teachers kidnapped during a coordinated attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed men, suspected to be bandits, reportedly stormed three schools on motorcycles and seized dozens of pupils, teachers, and other individuals before escaping into nearby forest areas.
Among those taken were young children, including some reportedly as young as two years old, as well as seven teachers and several community members. The incident triggered widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the safety of schools in rural communities.
The crisis deepened after reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers was killed by the kidnappers and later beheaded, a development that intensified public outrage and heightened calls for stronger security measures.
Speaking on the ongoing rescue operation, Egbetokun assured families and residents that security agencies remain fully committed to securing the victims’ freedom. He stated that the police are deploying intelligence-driven and technology-based strategies to track the abductors and locate the hostages.
According to the police chief, multiple security agencies are collaborating in the operation, utilizing modern surveillance tools, intelligence networks, and coordinated field operations to improve the chances of a successful rescue.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, recently disclosed that intelligence reports indicate the abducted victims remain within the broader area of the Old Oyo National Park.
The governor explained that the vast forest reserve, which covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres, presents significant operational challenges due to its difficult terrain and extensive network of forest routes.
Despite these obstacles, Makinde emphasized that security forces are pursuing every credible lead and maintaining pressure on the kidnappers.
The prolonged captivity of the pupils and teachers has sparked protests by parents, labour groups, teachers, students, and civil society organizations. Demonstrators have repeatedly called on authorities to intensify rescue efforts and implement stronger security measures to protect educational institutions.
Education stakeholders have also expressed concern about the impact of the incident on learning activities and public confidence in school safety. Many argue that recurring attacks on schools threaten educational development and create fear among parents and communities.
Security analysts note that the abduction highlights the growing challenge posed by criminal groups operating in forested regions across parts of the country. They stress that addressing the threat will require improved intelligence gathering, enhanced community policing, stronger surveillance capabilities, and better protection for vulnerable schools.
The Inspector-General expressed optimism that the ongoing operation would soon yield positive results and assured affected families that security agencies would not relent until all remaining captives are safely reunited with their loved ones.
As rescue efforts continue, Nigerians across the country remain hopeful that the abducted pupils and teachers will soon regain their freedom, bringing an end to a tragedy that has captured national attention and reignited calls for urgent reforms in school security and rural policing.
