Anxiety is still high in parts of Oyo State more than two weeks after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The Oyo State kidnapping has left families counting days and pleading for the safe return of their children and loved ones. Many residents say the incident has changed how they look at school runs and community safety. As rescue efforts drag on, the Nigeria Union of Teachers has directed its members in the state to begin an indefinite strike from June 1, adding fresh pressure on authorities.
The attack happened on a Friday in mid-May in the Ahoro-Esinele area and nearby communities. Gunmen on motorcycles stormed at least three schools — including Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele and Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota. They seized pupils, some as young as two and three years old, along with their teachers.
In total, 39 children and seven teachers were taken. One teacher was killed during the raid. Another, identified as mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, was later confirmed dead in captivity. Videos released by the abductors showed some of the victims in distress, with families saying the clips have deepened their pain.
Government Response to the Oyo Kidnapping Crisis
Relatives who met Governor Seyi Makinde described sleepless nights and constant worry. One grandmother whose four grandchildren and daughter-in-law are among the captives made an emotional appeal, saying she has seen her daughter-in-law in one of the videos and is begging for help.
Parents and community members say they want the children brought back unharmed. The continued circulation of videos from the kidnappers has made the waiting even harder for many families.
Governor Makinde has met with affected families and assured them that security agencies are working round the clock. He has set up an operations centre and suspended all school excursions and field trips across the state. President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killings, ordered a special rescue team, and approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards to help secure the area.Security agencies have arrested some suspects linked to the incident.
There are also reports that the abductors have opened communication channels with the state government, though details of any demands remain private. A high-level federal delegation has visited Ogbomoso and surrounding communities to assess the situation.
Teachers Down Tools Over Oyo State Kidnapping
The Nigeria Union of Teachers says enough is enough. From June 1, public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State began an indefinite strike to press for the immediate release of their abducted colleagues and the pupils. The union has also called for solidarity actions in other states.
Many teachers say the fear is real. Some communities have already seen school attendance drop sharply since the incident. Parents are equally worried about sending their children back to class without stronger security.
The Oyo State kidnapping has once again shown how quickly violence can disrupt ordinary lives. While negotiations and rescue operations continue, families and teachers are united in one demand — bring everyone home safely. Authorities say they remain committed to that goal.
