Yarbrough Schools in Oklahoma have been placed on lockdown as authorities intensify their search for two missing women from southwest Kansas. Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley went missing after leaving Hugoton on Saturday en route to pick up Butler's children, but they never reached their destination.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is actively investigating the disappearance of Butler and Kelley. Their vehicle was discovered in the Oklahoma panhandle, just south of Elkhart. The proximity of the vehicle to a school in the Yarbrough district prompted school administration to take precautionary measures, resulting in a lockdown. The decision to lock down the school was made in the best interest of the students due to the unknown nature of the incident and parental concerns.

In a statement, Jim Wiggin, superintendent of Yarbrough Schools, emphasized that there was no specific threat made to the school district. The lockdown was a safety-first decision aimed at ensuring the security of the students. The school administration will reevaluate the security plan on a daily basis and keep parents informed should the lockdown status change.

The Texas County Sheriff's Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol have increased their presence in the Yarbrough district to assist with the search efforts. Superintendent Wiggin expressed gratitude for their support and extended prayers to the families of the missing women.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation provided no new information about the case when reached by email. As the investigation continues, Yarbrough Schools will remain on lockdown with locked classroom doors and limited visitation to maintain the safety of the students.

Veronica Butler is a former graduate of Yarbrough School, further deepening the community's concern for her safe return along with Jilian Kelley.

The community remains hopeful for a positive outcome as the search for the missing women unfolds.