Sunday Igboho Joins Search Efforts in Old Oyo National Park as Hunt for Abducted Pupils, Teachers Intensifies
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
Yoruba nation advocate, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has reportedly visited sections of the Old Oyo National Park alongside members of his team as ongoing efforts continue to locate pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Videos circulating on social media showed Igboho and his associates within areas of the expansive forest reserve, where they were reportedly assessing the terrain and supporting search activities aimed at finding the victims. Reports circulating online also claimed that drones were being deployed to assist in scanning the vast landscape. However, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the use of drones in the operation.
The development follows the abduction of several pupils and teachers after suspected kidnappers attacked schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The incident has continued to generate concern among residents and stakeholders across Oyo State and beyond.
Earlier, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that intelligence reports suggested the abducted victims were being held within the broader Old Oyo National Park corridor. According to the governor, the challenging terrain and sheer size of the park have posed significant operational difficulties for security personnel involved in the rescue mission.
Covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres and stretching across parts of ten local government areas, the Old Oyo National Park remains one of the largest protected forest reserves in the country. Security agencies have continued to coordinate search and rescue operations within the area in a bid to secure the safe release of the abductees.
Sunday Igboho had previously expressed his readiness to contribute to efforts aimed at rescuing the victims, maintaining that he possessed the capacity and local knowledge that could support ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged members of the public to rely only on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports capable of undermining or interfering with ongoing security and rescue efforts.
As search operations continue, families, community leaders, and concerned Nigerians remain hopeful for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
