Efforts are ongoing to rescue dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in a coordinated attack in southwestern Nigeria, as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde met with families of the victims and assured them that security agencies are working to secure their release.
At least 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven teachers, were taken on May 15 when armed men attacked multiple schools in Oriire Local Government Area, according to officials.
Speaking during a meeting with families in Ahoro-Esiele community on Saturday, Makinde said his administration had intensified efforts since the incident occurred.
“Since this incident occurred, I’ve been holding security meetings twice daily and working directly with security agencies,” he said. “We will push beyond every limit until all abductees are rescued.”
The meeting brought together relatives, community leaders, and residents, many of whom expressed distress over the abduction and appealed for urgent action.
Several relatives became emotional while describing videos released by the abductors showing captives appealing for help.
“My wife is the one being used to make the videos that are being circulated. It is very disheartening and depressing,” said Wole Alamu, a professor at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, whose wife is among those abducted.
In one of the videos, Rachael Alamu called on authorities to take steps to secure the release of those held.
“I’m here again to beg the government. Governor Seyi Makinde should dialogue with these people. They should not use force. The force they used yesterday has cost us so much,” she said.
She also expressed concern about the safety of those in captivity.
“In fact, one of us has been picked that they are going to kill him. Please, we want you to call them and dialogue with them so that our lives will be saved,” she added.
Coordinated attack on schools
Police said the abduction occurred during a coordinated operation in the early hours of May 15, when armed men riding motorcycles stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, near Alawusa, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School in Esiele.
Makinde earlier confirmed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed. The Defence Headquarters later said a faction of the Boko Haram group was responsible for the attack.
Rescue efforts and arrests.
Security forces, including soldiers, police, and local vigilantes, have launched operations to locate the victims, who are believed to be held in forested areas.
Makinde said a joint rescue team encountered improvised explosive devices planted by the attackers, leaving several operatives wounded.
Authorities have also arrested six suspects, including individuals identified as informants and logistics suppliers to the kidnappers.
The governor said the state would continue to explore all available options to secure the release of the victims.
Families call for intensified efforts
During the meeting, relatives urged the government not to relent in its efforts.
Funmilayo Ojo, a resident, said four of her grandchildren and her daughter-in-law were among those abducted.
Residents described the incident as the first of its kind in the community and called for improved security measures.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack as “barbaric” and said the federal government was working with Oyo State authorities to secure the victims’ release.
“We expect a breakthrough soon,” he said.
Elisha Olukayode Ogundiya, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, said those abducted were mostly children between the ages of two and 16.
Mass kidnappings have become a significant security challenge in Nigeria in recent years, with armed groups targeting schools, travellers, and rural communities for ransom. While such attacks have been more common in other parts of the country, the incident has raised concerns among residents in Oyo State.
As search efforts continue, families of the abducted victims say they are hoping for their safe return.
Written by Dr. Florence Omisakin
