Fear Grips Oyo as Gunmen Kidnap Teachers and Dozens of Schoolchildren in Shocking Raid

On May 15, armed bandits stormed Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School near Ogbomoso, abducting seven teachers  among them principal Rachael Alamu and vice principal Jonathan Ojo along with dozens of pupils, some as young as two years old.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the abductions and described the situation as a deeply challenging crisis, particularly after one of the kidnapped teachers was killed on May 17.

He pledged that the government would pursue a dual approach involving military action and negotiations to secure the release of those still being held.

Security forces have since arrested nine suspects in connection with the attack.

President Bola Tinubu also condemned the incident, describing it as a barbaric act, and directed security agencies to conduct unrelenting operations until all captives are freed.

However, as of May 19, none of the abducted individuals had been released, with reports indicating that between 25 and 39 children remain in the hands of their captors.