The Nigeria Police Force has assured anxious families and residents of Oyo State that efforts to rescue dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area remain active, coordinated and focused on securing their freedom without casualties.
The assurance was given on Monday by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Information and Communication Technology and the South-West zone, Adegoke Fayoade, during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
Speaking with journalists, Fayoade said security agencies were working round the clock to ensure the safe return of the victims, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire in May.
“All agencies, including government, are working very hard, and I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, those children and their teachers will be free,” the DIG said.
He also rejected suggestions that the police were involved in discussions over ransom payments, insisting that operational efforts remained focused on rescue operations.
“We don’t know anything about ransom because we don’t talk about ransom. All efforts are directed towards getting the abductees freed safely,” he stated.
The latest assurance comes amid growing public concern over the fate of the victims, who were abducted on May 15 when armed men attacked schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Governor Seyi Makinde recently disclosed that intelligence reports suggest the abductees are being held within the expansive Old Oyo National Park, a difficult terrain that has complicated rescue efforts.
The governor also revealed that a Nigerian Army officer lost his life during ongoing rescue missions, highlighting the dangers facing security operatives in the operation.
The abduction has triggered protests, public outrage and calls for stronger security measures across the South-West, with lawmakers and education stakeholders demanding urgent action to secure the victims’ release.
During his visit, Fayoade said observations gathered from interactions with officers and stakeholders would be forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police for further action. He identified manpower shortages, welfare concerns and logistics as some of the challenges facing the force.
The DIG added that ongoing recruitment exercises and technology-driven policing initiatives, including enhanced intelligence gathering systems and data-driven investigations, were being expanded to strengthen security operations nationwide.
As security agencies intensify efforts, families and communities affected by the abduction continue to await positive news on the fate of the schoolchildren and teachers.
