Kidnappers Rule, Government Watches: Oyo, Ogun Erupt Over Pupils’ Abduction

Public anger spilled onto the streets of Oyo and Ogun states on Monday as residents, civil society organisations, and activists staged prote...

Public anger spilled onto the streets of Oyo and Ogun states on Monday as residents, civil society organisations, and activists staged protests over the continued captivity of 46 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims were kidnapped in a coordinated attack on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School by heavily armed assailants who stormed the communities on motorcycles before fleeing into a forest reserve bordering the Old Oyo National Park.

Among those abducted is a two-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, while a teacher was killed during the attack. Four motorcycles were also reportedly stolen from villagers to aid the terrorists' escape.

Recounting the incident, a teacher at Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Elizabeth Olagoke, said the attackers struck during the morning session.

“The terrorists came around 8 a.m. We had all started the morning session. They came on six motorcycles, and there were two passengers on each bike,” she said.

Tension further escalated after videos surfaced showing the abducted principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, Rachael Alamu, alongside a nursing mother, pleading for urgent rescue from captivity.

The situation took a tragic turn following reports that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was murdered by his captors. A disturbing video allegedly released by the kidnappers showed the victim with his hands tied before he was killed, triggering widespread outrage and deepening fears among residents and families of the remaining hostages.

The footage has since sparked condemnation from parents, community leaders, civil society groups, and religious organisations, all of whom have renewed calls for intensified rescue operations.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited the affected communities on Saturday, assured families that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the victims' release.

“Please believe in me. I have not been sleeping well myself. Together with the service commanders, we meet twice every day, once in the morning and once at night, sometimes until 10 or 11 p.m.,” the governor said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also dispatched a high-powered federal delegation to the affected area on Sunday. The team was led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunde Disu, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe, and Presidential Adviser on Public Communications Sunday Dare.

Protests Rock Oyo

In Ibadan, members of the Take-It-Back Movement led a protest at Mokola Roundabout, demanding immediate action to rescue the victims and address worsening insecurity in the state.

Carrying placards bearing messages such as “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” and “Peace, security and justice,” the demonstrators accused authorities of failing to adequately protect citizens.

One protester said Nigerians had become exhausted by the growing wave of insecurity.

“Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” he declared.

Ogun Residents Join Outcry

Similar scenes unfolded in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where residents gathered at the Panseke Skating Ground to demand urgent government intervention.

Protesters carried placards reading, “The crime they committed is that they went to school,” “Bring back our schoolchildren,” “End terrorism in Nigeria,” and “Our future is crying for help.”

Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, Juwon Owolabi warned that insecurity had reached a dangerous level, leaving citizens uncertain about their safety.

“This is a time when parents and families are grieving. We cannot continue like this. We sleep with anxiety and panic. If insecurity is not addressed now, no one will be safe in the end,” he said.

Owolabi urged authorities to deploy every available resource to secure the release of the hostages and restore confidence in public safety.

Also speaking, trader Ada Comfort lamented the economic impact of insecurity, saying fear had prevented her from travelling for business.

“My children are not among the victims, but I cannot sleep. I keep thinking about those children and what their parents are going through. The least government can do is provide security for its citizens,” she said.

As the victims remain in captivity, pressure continues to mount on both state and federal authorities to secure their freedom and reassure Nigerians that schools and communities remain safe from the growing threat of terrorism and kidnapping.