Urgent: Cries for Help as Abducted Oyo Students Remain Missing, Protests Erupt Nationwide

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has issued an urgent plea for the immediate rescue of students and teachers abducted in Oyo State, expressing grave concern over their severe hardship in captivity. Mr. Falana made this appeal on Friday, June 12, during a protest held in Lagos. This demonstration, which took place under the Ikeja Bridge, brought together various groups decrying pervasive insecurity, economic hardship, and a perceived decline in democratic culture across Nigeria. The protest itself saw moments of tension as supporters and counter-protesters converged at the same venue, necessitating police intervention to maintain order during the Democracy Day commemorations.

Mr. Falana emphasized that the protest extended beyond the plight of the abducted schoolchildren, encompassing broader national issues such as escalating poverty and alleged injustices perpetrated by security agencies. He highlighted the ongoing abductions of schoolchildren in both Oyo and Borno states as clear indicators of a deepening security crisis that demands immediate and resolute action. According to Falana, the victims have endured weeks of harsh conditions without adequate medical attention or food, likening the predicament of many Nigerians to being "in custody" due to worsening national circumstances. He specifically called on authorities to swiftly secure the release of all captives, including a teacher who, as he tragically revealed, was beheaded in an attempt to pressure the government into expediting rescue efforts.

The abductions that prompted these widespread concerns include a May 15 incident in Oyo State, where gunmen attacked schools in the Ahoro Esinle community within the Oriire Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers. Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed the death of one teacher and the arrest of several suspects. This Oyo attack occurred shortly after a separate mass kidnapping in Borno State, where armed men raided three schools in Mussa community, abducting dozens of children, many aged between two and five, using motorcycles and, reportedly, human shields during their escape. These incidents underscore a troubling pattern of school abductions plaguing Nigeria in recent years.

Adding another dimension to the discourse, Nigeria's Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, criticized singer Davido for drawing international attention to the Oyo State abductions. Omokri’s critique followed Davido's appearance at a FIFA World Cup countdown concert on June 10, where he wore a jacket displaying the names of the victims. While acknowledging Davido's good intentions, Omokri argued that global publicity inadvertently benefits terrorists by increasing the strategic value of hostages. He stated that terrorist groups thrive on media coverage to amplify fear and leverage. Drawing on his experience as a presidential spokesman during the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, Omokri recounted how the massive global campaign following the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction complicated rescue operations. He further cited the UNESCO Handbook for Journalists on Terrorism Coverage, asserting that heightened publicity often leads to reoccurrences and makes hostages more valuable, potentially prolonging their captivity, a lesson he learned during his own efforts to secure Leah Sharibu's release.

Meanwhile, youths in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, also took to the streets to protest the abduction of 45 students and teachers in Oyo State. They carried a banner emblazoned with "Bring Back our children," directing their message to President Tinubu, further highlighting the nationwide demand for action.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde provided an update on Friday, June 12, confirming that the students and teachers abducted on May 15 remain within the expansive Old Oyo National Park axis. He noted that the victims have been in captivity for 27 days. Makinde explained that the vast 2,500 square kilometer terrain of the park presents significant operational challenges for rescue efforts, requiring immense patience, strategic coordination, and sustained persistence from security agencies. He assured residents of the government's full commitment, stating that all necessary resources, including multiple security formations working in coordination with intelligence-driven operations, are deployed to track and rescue the victims safely. The Governor urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities via the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, and cautioned against circulating unverified information, which could compromise ongoing rescue efforts. He reaffirmed his confidence in the mission, stating, “We will get them home safely.”