The Oyo State government has reassured the general public that security agencies are working tirelessly to secure the safe rescue of the children and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

The state government said in a statement on Monday that it remained fully committed to ensuring the victims’ safe return to their families.

The government also expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted pupils and teachers, acknowledging the emotional pain and uncertainty they have endured since the incident.

It vowed to continue working closely with security agencies to ensure the victims are freed and those behind the abduction are brought to justice.

“Our thoughts are with their families in these trying times. We will continue to collaborate with the security agencies who are actively working to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” it said.

Some school children and teachers of Baptist Nursery/Primary School, Yawota; L. A. Primary School, Esiele; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, near Ogbomoso, were abducted by armed bandits.

The hostages were reportedly marched into the dense forest inside the Old Oyo National Park, which borders 10 local government areas of the state and Kwara, Kogi, and Niger states.

One of the seven teachers abducted by the bandits was later killed in captivity.

Security agencies, including the army, the police, the State Security Service (SSS), the Amotekun corps, and local hunters, have deployed personnel to the park to ensure the safe release of the abductees.

(NAN)