Tag: Abductees

  • “Take Me Instead” — Oyo Teacher’s Husband Begs Kidnappers to Free Wife, Baby After School Attack

    The husband of an abducted teacher in Oyo State has emotionally appealed to kidnappers to release his wife and their 18-month-old baby, offering himself in exchange for their freedom.

    The man made the appeal after gunmen attacked schools in Ahoro-Esiele Community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday, abducting pupils, teachers and residents.

    Speaking during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, the distraught husband identified his wife as Mary Akanbi, one of the teachers kidnapped during the attack.

    “Take me instead”

    According to him, his wife was carrying their one-and-a-half-year-old baby on her back when the attackers abducted them.

    “My wife was kidnapped, her name is Akanbi Mary, she backed one-and-half-year-old baby,” he said.

    The grieving husband said the community had been left vulnerable following the attack, alleging that there was no adequate security presence to protect residents.

    “We the victims are the only people remaining in the community, with no security personnel, no protection whatsoever,” he lamented.

    Community still living in fear

    The man further claimed that some security operatives involved in rescue attempts were killed during operations in the area.

    “Most of the security personnel who tried rescue mission were all wasted,” he said.

    In an emotional plea directed at the abductors, he begged them to free his wife and child while taking him instead.

    “I will gladly give myself to them for the sake of my wife and my child. Let them free my wife and my child and just take me instead,” he said.

    “I am in the exact community where my family was taken. Let them come for me instead. They have taken everything; they have ruined my life.”

    Attack sparks outrage

    The attack on the schools in Oriire LGA has continued to generate outrage across the country.

    Gunmen had invaded LA Primary School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esiele Community, killing two people and abducting dozens of pupils and staff members.

    One of the abducted teachers was later reportedly killed in captivity, further deepening fears over the worsening insecurity in the area.

  • Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Michael Oyedokun Breaks Silence, Reveals He Died Without a Child After Abduction

    The family of Michael Oyedokun, one of the schoolteachers abducted during the recent attacks in Oyo State, has described his killing as a devastating and irreplaceable loss, revealing that he died without a child after over a decade of marriage.

    Oyedokun was among several teachers seized by armed bandits during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, which left multiple communities in shock and fear.

    He was later killed after being held captive, in an incident that has continued to generate outrage across the country.

    Abduction during school attacks

    The late teacher was reportedly abducted alongside his colleagues from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, during the attack on Friday.

    Other affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso.

    The attacks also claimed the lives of an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist, deepening the tragedy.

    Following the incident, the Oyo State Government ordered the closure of schools across four local government areas while security agencies intensified rescue efforts for other victims.

    Disturbing video intensified fears

    A disturbing video allegedly released by the attackers later surfaced online, showing Oyedokun tied up and forced to speak before he was killed, sparking widespread condemnation and fear over the safety of remaining abductees.

    The circulation of the footage has also renewed calls for tighter control of graphic content on social media.

    “A calm and peaceful man” — Family speaks

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Ebeni Adediran described the late teacher as a calm, humble and dedicated educator who spent over two decades in the teaching profession.

    “He was a calm person and he did not like violence,” he said.

    Adediran explained that Oyedokun had worked in different parts of Oyo State before being transferred back to his community last year, where he remained closely connected with his family.

    “He was very accommodating and since he came back to our community, he always visited his parents regularly,” he added.

    Pain over childlessness

    The family also revealed the most painful part of the tragedy was that Oyedokun died without leaving behind a child after more than 10 years of marriage.

    “And the most painful part is that he did not leave any child behind,” Adediran said.

    “He had a wife but they did not have any child after more than 10 years of marriage.”

    The family said his death has created a deep void, describing the loss as one that cannot be replaced.

  • Onisa of Esin Ele Invokes Gods After Oyo School Horror

    The Onisa of Esin Ele in Oyo State, Muraina Mutairo, has invoked traditional gods following the recent attack on schools and the abduction of pupils, students and teachers in Aholo-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area.

    The traditional ruler was seen in a viral video performing traditional rites while calling on the gods to go after those responsible for the attack and ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.

    Traditional Ruler Performs Rites

    During the gathering attended by residents of the community, Mutairo reportedly declared that the attackers would face severe consequences if the kidnapped victims were not returned safely.

    The incident comes days after gunmen invaded schools in the area and abducted several pupils, students and teachers, throwing the community into panic.

    The attack has continued to trigger outrage and fear across Oyo State and beyond, as concerns grow over worsening insecurity in parts of the country.

    Beheaded Teacher’s Photos Emerge

    Meanwhile, photos of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedekun, have surfaced online following reports of his death.

    Oyedekun was reportedly beheaded by the attackers in a disturbing video that circulated widely on social media earlier this week.

    The footage sparked grief and condemnation nationwide, with many Nigerians calling on the government to strengthen security and protect vulnerable communities.

    Family Appeals Over Viral Video

    Amid the spread of the graphic footage, a family member identified as Adesewa Oladosu appealed to Nigerians to stop sharing the video of the teacher’s killing.

    In an emotional Facebook post, she described the continued circulation of the footage as deeply traumatising for the family, especially the deceased’s children and relatives.

    She urged the public to use only officially approved family photographs whenever discussing the incident online.

    The development has also reignited conversations around the psychological impact of violent content shared on social media during national tragedies.

     

  • Full List Of 46 Abducted Teachers, Pupils And Toddler In Oyo School Attack

    A 2-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, is among 46 persons abducted during a coordinated attack on schools and surrounding communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday.

    Community leaders confirmed that the victims include seven teachers and 39 pupils and students abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

    The attackers were also said to have carted away four motorcycles belonging to villagers during the operation.

    Below is the full list of abducted teachers, pupils and residents as released by community leaders.

    Abducted Teachers

    1. Mrs. Alamu Folawe – Principal, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele
    2. Mr. Ojo Jonathan – Vice Principal
    3. Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus – Teacher
    4. Mr. John Olaleye – Teacher
    5. Mr. Michael Oyedokun – Teacher
    6. Mrs. Oladeji – Teacher
    7. Mary Akanbi – Teacher, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School

    Victims From Ahoro-Esinele Community

    1. Rashida Tajudeen – 11 years
    2. Ahmed Ramoni – 8 years
    3. Abdulsalam Toyib – 4 years
    4. Baraka Abioye – 16 years
    5. Fatimo Jimoh – 15 years
    6. Hassan Azeez – 14 years
    7. Joshua Adeleke – 13 years

    Victims From Yawota Community

    1. Samuel Oyedele – 7 years
    2. Emmanuel Oyedele – 4 years
    3. Idowu Taiwo – 4 years
    4. Christianah Akanbi – 2 years
    5. Juwon Sunday – 7 years
    6. Sikiru Salami – 3 years
    7. Soliu Salami – 4 years
    8. Ojo Joseph – 8 years
    9. Lydia Adewole – 8 years
    10. Testimony Jacob – 5 years
    11. Kehinde Kaosara – 7 years
    12. Sewa Seyi – 7 years
    13. Waliya Bello – 4 years
    14. Lydia Olohunloluwa – 7 years
    15. Damilare Oderinde – 8 years
    16. Deborah Adebowale – 5 years
    17. Aisha Oguntowo – 10 years
    18. Lege Taiwo – 12 years
    19. Balkis Ayanwale – 8 years
    20. Asa David – 10 years

    Victims From Oniya Community

    1. Shuaibu Aliyu – 10 years
    2. Ahmed Aliyu – 7 years
    3. Muiz Aliyu – 5 years
    4. Jomiloju Ogunlola – 6 years

    Victims From Alawusa Community

    1. Agune Noah – 8 years
    2. Elizabeth Abadi – 5 years
    3. Tosin Abadi – 9 years
    4. Pius Stephen – 5 years
    5. Hannah Ojo – 14 years
    6. Habidat Ayanwale – 7 years
    7. Mary Gabriel – 6 years
    8. Jacob Gabriel – age not specified

    Following the attack, teachers in the affected communities have suspended work, calling on the federal government and Oyo State Government to urgently secure the release of the abducted victims.

  • Rufai Oseni Cries Out Over Killing Of Oyo Teachers, Says Nigeria Is Losing Respect For Education

    Media personality and broadcaster, Rufai Oseni, has condemned the reported killing of teachers abducted during the recent school attacks in Oyo State, describing the development as a dangerous reflection of how little value is now placed on education and teachers in Nigeria.

    The broadcaster reacted amid growing outrage over the abduction of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    Rufai Oseni Condemns Silence Over Teachers’ Killing

    Speaking  on the incident, Rufai Oseni expressed concern over what he described as the silence and lack of national outrage following the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers.

    According to him, teachers remain critical to the growth and future of every society and should never become victims of violence without public resistance and demands for justice.

    “Teachers were beheaded in Oyo State and we’re quiet about it. Do you know the role of a teacher in the life of a country? There’s nothing a country can become without a teacher,” he said.

    He further lamented that the country appeared to be losing its sense of urgency and empathy whenever educators become victims of insecurity.

    “But we have become a country where teachers are beheaded and we are quiet. A country that does not cry and seek justice,” he added.

    Attack On Oyo Schools Sparks Nationwide Concern

    The comments follow the recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly abducted dozens of pupils, students and teachers.

    Reports later emerged that one of the abducted teachers, identified as Mr Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly killed while in captivity.

    The incident has triggered protests among teachers in Ogbomoso and renewed conversations about insecurity in schools across Nigeria.

    Calls For Justice And Protection

    Rufai Oseni stressed that the killing of teachers should concern every Nigerian, noting that educators shape generations and contribute directly to national development.

    “That teacher could have been your brother, your sister, or your everything. Just imagine how a person that loved that teacher the most would feel,” he said.

    The Oyo State government and security agencies have continued rescue efforts for the remaining abducted victims, while residents and education stakeholders demand stronger security measures for schools.

  • Tinubu Vows Rescue of Abducted Oyo School Victims, Condemns Killing of Teacher as “Barbaric”

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that all victims abducted during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State will be rescued, while strongly condemning the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers.

    The attack, which occurred last Friday, saw armed bandits storm Esiele community and abduct students, pupils and school staff from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

    Tinubu Condemns Attack, Describes It As Barbaric

    In a statement issued by the State House and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as barbaric and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Oyo State Government.

    “President Bola Tinubu has condemned as barbaric the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers from the Esiele community in Oyo State, while the rescue operation is underway,” the statement read.

    The Presidency confirmed that security agencies have already been deployed to track down the attackers and secure the release of all abducted victims.

    Security Forces Intensify Rescue Operations

    According to the statement, security operatives are currently conducting coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the victims and arresting those responsible for the attack.

    The Presidency said the operation is being led through intelligence-driven efforts involving multiple security agencies working across affected areas.

    “The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims. Security operatives are working around the clock,” the statement added.

    Tinubu also praised the rapid response of the Inspector-General of Police and commissioners in Oyo and Kwara States, noting that tactical and intelligence teams have been deployed to the region.

    President Calls For State Police Reform

    The President used the opportunity to renew calls for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step to strengthen security in underserved communities.

    He urged the National Assembly to speed up legislative processes on the matter, linking it to rising cases of kidnapping and rural insecurity.

    “The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police,” Tinubu stated.

    He further assured that he is closely monitoring the situation and expects a breakthrough in the ongoing rescue operation.

  • Ogbomoso Teachers Protest Abduction, Killing of Colleagues as Security Fears Escalate in Oyo

    Angry teachers in Oyo State have taken to the streets in Ogbomoso in protest over the abduction and killing of their colleagues following a deadly attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele community.

    The protest comes amid rising tension in the state after terrorists reportedly abducted more than 45 students and several teachers, including school principals, during coordinated attacks on educational facilities.

    Teachers demand urgent government action

    In a viral video from the protest, one of the teachers expressed fear over the increasing insecurity, warning that schools could become repeated targets if urgent action is not taken.

    “We don’t know the next target, security is a right, please protect us,” she said.

    The protesting teachers called on the government to immediately strengthen security around schools and ensure the rescue of abducted colleagues and students.

    They also urged teachers across the state to consider withdrawing their services until concrete steps are taken to guarantee safety in schools.

    Attack leaves community in shock

    The attack reportedly occurred between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. last Friday at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, where armed men stormed the premises and whisked away students and staff.

    Among those abducted was the school principal, Rachael Alamu, alongside several teachers and students whose total number is still being confirmed by authorities.

    A resident described how the attackers invaded the school before escaping with victims into surrounding forest areas.

    Killed teacher sparks outrage

    Tension further escalated after reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, was killed in captivity, with disturbing videos reportedly circulating online.

    The incident has deepened fears among residents and intensified calls for stronger security intervention in rural school communities.

    Government urged to act swiftly

    The protesting teachers appealed directly to Governor Seyi Makinde and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging immediate rescue efforts and improved protection for schools.

    They warned that continued attacks on teachers and students threaten the foundation of education in the state, stressing that schools must no longer remain vulnerable.

    As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have yet to issue a fresh update on the ongoing rescue operations.

  • Makinde Confirms Abducted Oyo Teacher Killed by Terrorists After School Attack

    Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that one of the teachers abducted during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has been killed by terrorists.

    Makinde made the disclosure during a press briefing on the school abduction incident, days after armed men invaded schools in Ahoro-Esinele community and kidnapped dozens of teachers and pupils.

    Makinde confirms teacher’s death

    According to the governor, intelligence reports available to the state government showed that seven teachers were abducted during the attack.

    He added that one of the victims, identified as a mathematics teacher, was killed after a disturbing video surfaced online.

    “What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. And unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand the maths teacher, was killed by the terrorists this morning. Of course our prayers are with the family,” Makinde said.

    RNN had earlier reported that a viral video allegedly showed Mr. Oyedekun being beheaded while in captivity.

    Government adopts new rescue strategies

    The governor stated that the state government had begun combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address the crisis and secure the release of the remaining victims.

    He revealed that consultations were ongoing with community leaders, security agencies and religious organisations, including the Baptist Convention whose school was affected during the attack.

    According to Makinde, the situation remains difficult and sensitive, stressing that authorities are doing everything possible to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers safely.

    “We have decided that we will adopt not just the kinetic approach. There has been a lot of threats… I want to appeal. We have not taken this lightly,” he said.

    Makinde appeals for calm

    The governor appealed to residents of the affected communities and the people of Oyo State to cooperate with security agencies and support rescue efforts.

    He insisted that the priority of government remained the safe return of the remaining abducted victims.

    “I want to appeal that we do everything within our power to ensure that this is resolved quickly and we bring our children back safely. But it is a very difficult and challenging situation,” he added.

    Makinde also announced that the state government would commence daily press briefings to keep the public updated on developments surrounding the rescue operations.