A mass abduction event in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has drawn widespread attention and concern, with students and teachers held captive by a faction of the Boko Haram terror group. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of May 15, involved armed hoodlums riding motorcycles storming Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School in Esiele. Initially, 39 pupils and seven teachers were reported kidnapped, with the tragic confirmation that one teacher has since been killed.

The plight of the captives has been highlighted through newly released videos, showing them in visibly exhausted and deteriorating conditions. An elderly woman, whose daughter-in-law (a teacher seen holding a baby in a viral video) and four grandchildren are among the abductees, made an emotional appeal in Yoruba: “Please help us because of God. Have mercy on us. I have four of my grandchildren and my daughter in-law with the kidnappers. Please help us. Please help us rescue our children.''

Adding to the urgent pleas, school principal Mrs. Alamu, speaking on behalf of the victims, made a direct call for immediate government intervention. She implored President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, and all well-meaning Nigerians to secure their safe return, emphasizing that the kidnappers are growing impatient. Mrs. Alamu strongly urged the Oyo State Government to initiate direct negotiations rather than using force, stating: “President Tinubu, Governor Seyi and every other well-meaning Nigerians, please help us. You don't need force. All you have to do is negotiate with them to release us. We are in the cold. We are under the sun, under the rain. The children and the adults as well. Please we are begging. Don't let them waste our lives. They are getting impatient and frustrated.” She also warned in a video recorded by her captors, “The force they used yesterday has cost us so much,” and expressed fears, “In fact, one of us has been picked that they are going to kill him.”

In response to the crisis, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde met with families of the kidnapped victims at Ahoro-Esiele community. He urged calm and cooperation, assuring them that his administration is working relentlessly to bring everyone home safely. Governor Makinde stated, “Since this incident occurred, I’ve been holding security meetings twice daily and working directly with security agencies. We will push beyond every limit until all abductees are rescued.” He condemned the abductors’ actions as “cruel, unacceptable, and inhumane” and paid tribute to the sacrifices of security personnel, noting that nearly 200 Amotekun operatives have died fighting crime in the state. The governor has indicated a willingness to negotiate with the terrorists, especially after a joint rescue operation team, including soldiers, police, and local vigilantes, encountered explosives planted by the terrorists, leaving some operatives wounded.

The anguish of the families is palpable. Professor Wole Alamu, husband of Mrs. Rachael Alamu, became emotional while speaking about his wife's ordeal, expressing the pain of watching videos where she was forced to appeal for help. “My wife is the one being used to make the videos that are being circulated. It is very disheartening and depressing,” he shared. Residents of Oriire Local Government Area have described this as the first incident of its kind in their community and are demanding improved security measures to prevent recurrence. The abduction has heightened security concerns along the state’s borders, prompting calls for faster action to end such kidnappings. Governor Makinde reiterated that the state government would continue to explore all available options to ensure the victims are reunited with their families.