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  • “Terrorists Only Want To Speak With Makinde” — Fresh Fear As Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren Spend Eight Days In Captivity

    Fresh details have emerged over the abduction of pupils, teachers and residents in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as terrorists reportedly opened communication channels with the state government.

    According to reports, the kidnappers allegedly refused to negotiate with families of the victims and insisted they only wanted to speak directly with Governor Seyi Makinde.

    “They Only Want To Talk To The Governor”

    Sources familiar with the development told Saturday PUNCH that all attempts by relatives to contact the abductors were rejected.

    “They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else. That was the condition they gave for negotiation,” a source disclosed.

    Another source described the communication as a slight relief despite growing fears over the safety of the captives.

    “It is not that security agencies don’t know what to do. But the risks are too high. The relief is that at least now, they are talking,” the source added.

    However, officials have remained silent on the exact demands allegedly made by the abductors.

    Children Still Missing After Eight Days

    The victims, including toddlers reportedly aged between two and three years old, have now spent eight days in captivity after terrorists attacked schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities.

    Reports claimed the captives were being moved through forests and difficult terrains across different locations to evade security operatives.

    Community leaders and parents have continued to express fear over the harsh conditions the abducted children may be facing inside the forests.

    “We are worried about their safety. We don’t know how they are faring. Children of two-year-old are among the abductees,” a community leader said.

    Schools Deserted Amid Growing Panic

    The attack has also triggered panic across Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with many schools reportedly deserted by pupils and teachers.

    A teacher in the area said attendance in both public and private schools had dropped drastically since the incident.

    “All the schools in Ogbomoso have been empty since Monday. Parents are afraid,” the teacher explained.

    The source also recounted how panic spread further after students reportedly mistook hunters for terrorists near Areago Grammar School, leading to chaos in the area.

    “One pupil died after being knocked down by a vehicle while people were running. His mother also reportedly died after hearing the news,” the teacher added.

    Fear Continues Across Communities

    Residents in Ikose, Ikoyi, Tewure and nearby communities reportedly remain gripped by fear as many parents continue to keep their children away from school.

    Meanwhile, teachers in several affected schools reportedly stayed away from work on Friday in honour of Joel Adesiyan, a former Assistant Headmaster allegedly killed during the attacks.

    The latest development has continued to raise concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Oyo State and the growing threat of school attacks in Nigeria.

  • “I Want Him to Have a Burial Site” — Widow of Beheaded Oyo Teacher Begs Government to Recover Husband’s Body

    Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of the late teacher reportedly beheaded by bandits after the recent school attack in Oyo State, has emotionally appealed to the government and security agencies to help recover her husband’s remains.

    In a viral video circulating online on Friday, the grieving widow pleaded with authorities to retrieve the body of her husband so he could be given a proper burial.

    “I Want Him To Have A Burial Site”

    Speaking in Yoruba, Mrs. Oyedokun broke down in tears as she appealed to the Federal Government to intervene.

    “I am begging the government to please recover the body of my husband. I want him to have a burial site for future reference,” she said emotionally.

    Her plea has since triggered fresh reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy and anger over the worsening insecurity in parts of the country.

    Teacher Killed After School Attack

    The deceased, Michael Oyedokun, was a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, in Oyo State.

    He was among those abducted after armed terrorists invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area during coordinated attacks on Community High School, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota.

    Reports indicated that between 46 and 48 persons, including pupils, students and teachers, were abducted during the attacks.

    A disturbing video later surfaced online allegedly showing the gruesome killing of the teacher by his abductors, sparking outrage and condemnation across the country.

    Pressure Mounts On Authorities

    The incident has continued to attract reactions from Nigerians, celebrities and civil society groups demanding stronger security measures and accountability from authorities.

    Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier assured residents that both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were being deployed to secure the release of victims still in captivity.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also condemned the killing, describing the act as barbaric while promising intensified rescue efforts.

  • “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.

  • “I’m Coming Back to Lagos” — Lady Cries Out Over Alleged Herdsmen Attack in Imo Community

    A Nigerian lady has triggered emotional reactions online after crying out over an alleged attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen in a community in Imo State.

    In a viral video circulating on social media, the visibly distressed woman lamented the growing insecurity in the area, claiming residents were forced to flee their homes during the alleged attack.

    “People Don Scatter”

    According to her, the attackers allegedly invaded the community, kidnapped residents for ransom and destroyed properties around the local market area.

    “I’m coming back to Lagos. Fulani herdsmen attacked our community,” she said emotionally in the video.

    The woman further claimed that fear and uncertainty have now become part of daily life for many people living in some parts of the South-East.

    “People have to run and leave their homes. They can actually kill anybody they like and kidnap people to ask for ransom. People don scatter. I’m coming back please,” she added.

    Fear Over Rising Insecurity

    Her comments have added to growing concerns over insecurity across different parts of the country, especially attacks linked to kidnappings and armed violence.

    The video quickly gained traction online, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy and calling on security agencies to strengthen protection for residents.

    Others also lamented the increasing number of reports involving attacks on rural communities and highways across the country.

    Reactions Flood Social Media

    The incident has continued to generate widespread debate online, with users demanding urgent action from authorities to address insecurity and protect lives and properties.

    As of the time of filing this report, security authorities in Imo State have not officially reacted to the claims made in the viral video.

  • Gunmen Kill Vigilante Officer During Fresh Attack on Plateau Community

    A 25-year-old vigilante officer, Daniel Danladi Choji, has been killed following a fresh attack by gunmen on Tanjol village in Jol District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    Residents disclosed that the attack occurred on Tuesday night after armed men reportedly invaded the community, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes and rocky areas for safety.

    Several residents were also said to have sustained injuries while escaping from the attackers, who were suspected to be armed Fulani bandits.

    Attackers stormed communities in groups

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday.

    According to him, the attackers invaded Vwak and Tanjol communities in multiple groups and opened fire indiscriminately before security operatives responded.

    He explained that the deceased vigilante officer was killed while carrying out patrol duties alongside other security personnel.

    “The attackers stormed the Vwak and Tanjol communities in more than five groups, shooting indiscriminately before they were repelled by a combined team of Operation Rainbow and security operatives,” the statement read.

    BYM demands urgent action

    The youth association condemned the attack and urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to take urgent measures to prevent further violence in affected communities.

    The group also called for restrictions on grazing activities in the area, alleging a connection between grazing movements and recurring attacks within communities in the state.

    “We also urged authorities to halt grazing activities in the affected areas as there is a link between such movements and repeated attacks,” Tengwong stated.

    The association further demanded intensified military operations in areas suspected to be hideouts for armed groups.

    “Failure to act decisively could lead to continued loss of lives in Plateau State and the wider Middle Belt region,” he added.

    Killings continue despite promises

    Plateau State has witnessed years of violent attacks, communal clashes and armed invasions that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced many residents across different communities.

    Despite repeated assurances by successive governments to end the violence, attacks and killings have continued in parts of the state.

  • 12-Year-Old Survivor Recounts Horror as Teacher ‘Ran Away’ During Oyo School Terror Attack

    A 12-year-old survivor of the recent terrorist attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has narrated how her teacher allegedly fled for safety immediately gunmen invaded their classroom, forcing terrified pupils to jump through windows and hide inside the bush for hours.

    The survivor, identified as Aminah, spoke during an interview with SaharaReporters as fresh details continue to emerge from the coordinated attack that left several pupils, students and teachers missing.

    “We Jumped Through The Window”

    Narrating the incident in Yoruba, the visibly traumatised schoolgirl said lessons were ongoing when gunshots suddenly erupted outside the classroom.

    “We were in the classroom while a teacher was teaching us when we suddenly heard gunshots from outside,” Aminah said.

    “The teacher was the first to run away, leaving us alone. We all had to jump through the window and run into the bush to save ourselves.”

    She explained that many of the pupils remained hidden inside the forest for several hours out of fear, only coming out later in the evening after hearing the voices of residents searching for survivors.

    “We remained in the bush until evening before we started hearing people shouting. That was when all of us began coming out from the places where we had hidden,” she added.

    “The people who took us home were residents of the communities as well.”

    Teacher Beheaded After Abduction

    The attack happened on May 16 when armed bandits stormed multiple schools in the Ahoro-Esiele community during school hours.

    Among those abducted were pupils, students, teachers and the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu. Two persons were also reportedly killed during the invasion.

    Days after the abduction, a disturbing viral video surfaced online showing one of the kidnapped teachers being beheaded by the attackers.

    The victim was later identified as Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher.

    32 Victims Still Missing

    The Oyo State Police Command later confirmed that at least 32 victims abducted during the attacks are still missing.

    Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluyinka Ayanlade, disclosed that seven secondary school students, 18 primary school pupils and seven teachers remain unaccounted for.

    According to him, the victims were abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

    “Seven students, 18 pupils, and seven teachers are still missing,” Ayanlade said.

    Makinde Speaks On Surveillance Aircraft

    Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said surveillance aircraft acquired by the state government to strengthen security operations have already arrived in Nigeria.

    Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the governor disclosed that the aircraft are currently being assembled at a Nigerian Air Force facility in Lagos before deployment.

    “The surveillance aircraft have arrived in the country,” Makinde said.

    “As of today, they are at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos, where they are being assembled.”

    He added that the aircraft would help improve intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance to combat kidnapping and violent attacks across the state.

  • Panic In Oyo As Parents Storm School, Withdraw Children Over Fresh Bandit Rumours

    Fear and confusion erupted in a community in Oyo State on Tuesday after anxious parents reportedly stormed a primary school and forcefully withdrew their children over rumours of a fresh bandit attack around the Ajawa axis.

    The incident reportedly happened at Ijeru Baptist Basic School I and III following claims circulating within the area that armed bandits had invaded nearby communities.

    Parents Force School Gates Open

    Photos and videos seen online captured chaotic scenes as worried parents rushed into the school premises, forced the gates open and hurriedly took their children away amid panic.

    According to SaharaReporters, the situation caused tension among teachers, pupils and residents within the area.

    A community source said the panic was triggered by unverified reports linking violence in nearby communities to suspected bandit activities.

    “The parents stormed the school, forced the gate open, and began taking their children away by force,” the source said.

    Teachers Attempted To Calm Situation

    The source explained that school authorities repeatedly assured parents that there was no confirmed bandit invasion around the school environment.

    “The information they heard was that bandits were around Ajawa, which is not true,” the source added.

    Teachers were also said to have contacted security operatives within the district in a bid to calm the growing panic.

    “The teachers came out saying they had contacted the police command within that district that they were told the violence had to do with a fight between Fulani people and the farmers there,” the source stated.

    Fresh Fear After Oyo School Abduction

    The latest scare comes days after terrorists attacked schools in the Ogbomoso axis of Oyo State, killing and abducting teachers and students.

    Two teachers have already been confirmed dead, while videos showing one of the abducted school principals pleading for government intervention surfaced online.

    Authorities are yet to officially comment on Tuesday’s panic at the school as tension continues to grow among residents and parents across affected communities in Oyo State.

  • Oyo Police Arrest Six Suspects Over Abduction, Killing of Teachers and Pupils in Ahoro-Esiele

    The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of six suspects in connection with the deadly attack on schools in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, where pupils were abducted and two teachers alongside an okada rider were killed.

    The development comes days after the violent assault on the community, which has continued to spark fear and outrage across Oyo State and neighbouring areas.

    Suspects Allegedly Acted As Informants

    According to the police, the arrested suspects are believed to have played supporting roles as informants to the abductors before, during and after the attack.

    Investigators said early findings showed that some of the suspects were in direct communication with the attackers during the operation.

    The police explained that telephone records and conversations allegedly exchanged between the suspects and the abductors helped advance the investigation.

    Phone Records Led To Breakthrough

    State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the breakthrough came after security operatives traced communications linked to the attack.

    He said the intercepted calls contained information that allegedly helped the attackers navigate through routes within the National Park and locate safe hideouts.

    “Our findings showed that some of the suspects were in contact with the abductors through telephone conversations,” Ayanlade said.

    He added that the communications are currently being analysed to determine the level of involvement of each suspect and identify others still at large.

    Joint Security Operation Ongoing

    The police disclosed that the arrests were carried out through coordinated operations involving the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, NSCDC, and Agro Rangers.

    According to the command, the joint operation is part of wider efforts to dismantle the criminal network behind the attack and rescue remaining victims.

    Authorities assured that efforts were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the syndicate.

    “We are committed to ensuring that every individual connected to this criminal act is identified, arrested and brought to justice,” the police spokesman added.

    Tension Remains In Oriire Communities

    The attack on Ahoro-Esiele has left residents in fear, especially after reports of killings and abductions involving schoolchildren and teachers.

    Security agencies say investigations are still ongoing as pressure mounts for the safe rescue of all victims and full exposure of those behind the incident.

  • Sheikh Gumi Sparks Reactions After Saying Terrorists Need Kidnap Money To Survive

    Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has triggered widespread reactions online after making fresh comments about terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria amid growing insecurity across the country.

    Gumi made the remarks during an interview with AIT while speaking on how terrorist groups allegedly sustain themselves financially despite increasing military offensives against them.

    Gumi speaks on terrorist financing

    According to the cleric, many armed groups rely heavily on money generated from kidnappings to continue their operations and maintain their activities.

    “The terrorists need all the money they’re getting from kidnapping. It’s not like they are living luxurious lives,” Gumi said during the interview.

    He further argued that intensified military pressure from the Nigerian government has allegedly pushed the groups into seeking more sources of funding.

    “The government is putting too much pressure on them, so they need money to finance their war machines. If they leave banditry, they won’t have any source of financing themselves,” he added.

    Comments trigger backlash online

    The statement quickly sparked reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing mixed feelings over the cleric’s remarks.

    While some users claimed Gumi was merely explaining the operational structure of terrorist groups, others accused him of appearing sympathetic toward bandits and kidnappers terrorising parts of the country.

    Several critics questioned why the cleric would make such comments at a time when many communities across northern Nigeria continue to battle attacks, abductions and killings linked to armed groups.

    Insecurity remains major concern

    Nigeria has continued to witness deadly attacks, kidnappings and insurgency activities across several states despite ongoing military operations targeting terrorists and bandits.

    The North-East and parts of the North-West have remained major flashpoints for insurgency, kidnapping and violent attacks on communities, schools and security formations.

    Gumi has repeatedly made headlines in recent years over his controversial engagements and comments concerning bandits, negotiations and insecurity in Nigeria.

  • “They sent me transport fare” — Abducted UNIJOS graduate recounts 11-day ordeal in kidnappers’ den

    A graduate of the University of Jos, John Arum Azi, has recounted how suspected kidnappers allegedly lured him into captivity through a fake welding job offer after repeatedly contacting him and sending transport fare to convince him the opportunity was genuine.

    The victim narrated his experience after regaining freedom following 11 days in captivity.

    Azi shared the testimony during a church service in the Tudun Wada area of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday.

    How the job offer began

    According to him, the suspected kidnappers persistently contacted him with promises of welding work before eventually sending him transport money.

    “They kept calling me, asking me to come and work for them. They even sent transport money, so I believed it was a real job,” he said.

    Azi explained that he travelled from Jos to Zaria, Kaduna State, on April 11, 2026, believing he was heading for a genuine employment opportunity.

    However, shortly after arriving in Zaria and contacting the supposed employers, he was directed to board a motorcycle heading to a village.

    Journey into the forest

    The graduate admitted he became suspicious during the journey but ignored the warning signs because he desperately needed work.

    “I started having doubts, but I told myself maybe it was a connection that could help me. I did not know they were kidnappers,” he said.

    According to him, a man later approached him claiming to be the same individual who arranged the welding job.

    Azi said he was subsequently taken deep into a remote forest on a motorcycle, where another heavily armed man was already waiting.

    “I saw a gun I had never seen before in my life,” he recounted.

    The victim alleged that the kidnappers searched him thoroughly, seized his phone, work tools and belongings before forcing him to wear strange clothes and a face mask.

    Kidnappers demanded ₦30m ransom

    Azi further disclosed that he was moved through Giwa Local Government Area into forests in Zamfara State after several hours of travelling on motorcycles.

    “We spent almost six hours moving through the bush on motorcycles. There was no security anywhere,” he said.

    Upon arriving at the camp, he said his hands and legs were tied while the abductors contacted his family and demanded ₦30 million ransom.

    “I gave them my elder brother’s number. They called him and demanded ₦30 million,” he added.

    ‘They called me Pastor’

    The graduate also narrated how he was allegedly tortured and interrogated repeatedly about his religion.

    According to him, the kidnappers fired gunshots around the camp while questioning him, forcing him to initially deny being a Christian out of fear.

    “They were shooting guns everywhere and asking questions. Out of fear, I initially denied being a Christian because I thought they would kill me,” he said.

    However, he said severe beatings later forced him to cry out “Jesus,” exposing his faith to the abductors.

    “While they were beating me, I suddenly shouted ‘Jesus.’ That was when they discovered I was a Christian,” he said.

    Azi revealed that the kidnappers subsequently nicknamed him “Pastor” throughout his stay in captivity.

    Release after negotiations

    According to him, the abductors later reduced the ransom demand from ₦30 million to ₦6 million after negotiations with his family.

    However, he alleged that the kidnappers still delayed his release after receiving the money and demanded an additional ₦4 million.

    “They started beating me again and said my family should add another ₦4 million. At that point, I thought I would not survive,” he said.

    Azi said support from relatives, friends and sympathisers eventually secured his release after the traumatic ordeal.