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  • Tinubu Sends Ribadu, Gbajabiamila, Security Chiefs to Oyo Abduction Scene as Pressure Mounts on Rescue Efforts

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a high-level federal delegation, led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, to communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of students and teachers in a coordinated attack.

    The visit comes two weeks after armed men reportedly stormed schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota axis, abducting more than 45 students, alongside six teachers and a principal in a morning raid that has continued to trigger nationwide concern.

    Federal Delegation Arrives Oyo Communities

    According to visuals circulating online, members of the delegation were seen arriving in the affected communities amid tight security presence.

    The team includes key federal officials such as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; and presidential aide Sunday Dare.

    In a post on X, Sunday Dare said President Tinubu had activated coordinated efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims and tracking down the attackers.

    He wrote that the delegation was deployed to the Ogbomoso axis, which falls under the Oriire Local Government Area, describing the attack as a serious national security concern requiring immediate intervention.

    Makinde’s Earlier Visit

    The federal visit follows an earlier visit by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who met with families of the abducted victims and assured residents that both state and federal security agencies were working to secure their release.

    Makinde had pledged that all legal and operational measures would be deployed to ensure the safe return of the students and teachers.

    Rising Security Concerns

    The attack has intensified concerns over school safety and rural insecurity in parts of the state, with growing calls for stronger protection of educational institutions and faster response mechanisms during such incidents.

    Security agencies have continued operations in the area as pressure mounts on authorities to secure the safe return of the abducted victims.

  • Abducted Oyo School Principal Pleads for Government Action in Viral Captivity Video

    A viral video showing Mrs Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has intensified public concern over the continued captivity of teachers and students kidnapped in the region.

    The 72-second clip, shared on X, shows the visibly distressed school principal appealing directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and education stakeholders to urgently intervene and secure their release.

    Abducted Principal Speaks From Captivity

    In the video, Mrs Alamu, appearing weakened and emotional, said she and other victims had spent days in harsh conditions since their abduction.

    “We have been picked from work and still now we are sitting in the bush,” she said, pleading for urgent rescue efforts.

    She also called for negotiation with the abductors rather than force, stressing that the situation required immediate dialogue to save lives.

    “We are in the cold, under sun, rain. The children as well. Please don’t let them waste our lives,” she added.

    Renewed Pressure on Government and Security Agencies

    The video emerged on the same day education workers and stakeholders in Oyo State staged peaceful demonstrations in Ibadan and Ogbomoso, demanding urgent rescue operations for the abducted victims.

    Reports indicate that the May 15 attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esiele community led to the killing of a mathematics teacher and the abduction of about 39 students and seven teachers.

    Victims reportedly include very young children, heightening national outrage over the scale of the attack.

    Ongoing Rescue Operations

    As of May 29, 2026, no official rescue has been confirmed, despite coordinated operations involving the military, police, Nigerian Air Force, and local vigilantes.

    Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents that security agencies are working round the clock to secure the release of the victims, while federal authorities continue to monitor the situation.

    Security sources say operations remain active in the affected forest corridors, though details are being restricted for operational reasons.

    Public Outrage and Growing Security Concerns

    The viral video has triggered widespread reactions across social media, with Nigerians expressing frustration over the prolonged captivity and the persistence of school kidnappings in the country.

    Many have called for faster intervention, improved intelligence operations, and stronger protection for schools in vulnerable areas.

    The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting educational institutions, which have continued to raise fears among parents and communities.

    Authorities have urged calm while assuring that efforts to rescue the abducted victims are ongoing.

  • Oyo Teachers Stage Solidarity Walk in Ibadan Over Abducted Students, Demand Immediate Rescue

    Hundreds of teachers in Oyo State on Friday staged a peaceful solidarity walk in Ibadan, demanding the immediate release of students, pupils, and colleagues abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

    The protest, organised under the Oyo Teachers Action Group with support from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and civil society organisations, highlighted growing frustration over the continued captivity of victims more than two weeks after the incident.

    Teachers March Through Ibadan

    The demonstrators gathered at the Item 7 axis of Iwo Road and marched towards the Oyo State Secretariat, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they called for urgent government action.

    Placards displayed messages such as “Bring Back Our School Children and Colleagues,” “Teachers’ Lives Matter,” and “Enough is Enough,” reflecting mounting public anger over repeated school attacks in the state.

    Security operatives were seen monitoring the procession, while the protest reportedly remained peaceful and did not disrupt traffic flow in the area.

    Wider Spread of Solidarity Actions

    Similar coordinated demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the state, including Ogbomoso, Iseyin, and Oyo town, as pressure builds on authorities to secure the release of abducted victims.

    Organisers warned that further actions could follow if there is no progress in rescue efforts, including the possibility of school closures in affected areas.

    Background of Oriire School Attack

    The protest is linked to the May 15 attack in the Ahoro-Esiele area of Oriire LGA, where armed gunmen stormed multiple schools, killing at least one teacher and abducting several students and staff.

    Reports indicate that about 39 students and seven teachers were taken during the attack, with victims including very young children.

    Since the incident, no official rescue has been confirmed despite ongoing joint operations involving the military, police, Amotekun, and local vigilantes.

    Government Response and Ongoing Operations

    Governor Seyi Makinde has repeatedly assured residents that security agencies are conducting round-the-clock operations to secure the victims’ release using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

    A recent video from one of the abducted teachers, Mrs Rachael Alamu, had earlier gone viral, in which she pleaded for negotiation and urgent intervention from authorities.

    Authorities continue to urge calm while assuring that intelligence-led operations are ongoing to rescue the victims safely.

    The protest underscores growing public anxiety over school safety in Oyo State and renewed calls for stronger security measures around educational institutions.

  • “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.

  • Oyo Police Break Silence on ‘Rescue’ Claims as Abducted Pupils, Teachers Remain in Captivity

    The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports claiming that pupils, students and teachers abducted during last Friday’s attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state have regained freedom.

    The command clarified that the victims are still in captivity, adding that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue them and arrest those responsible for the attack.

    Police dismiss viral rescue reports

    The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan.

    According to the police, information circulating online about the release of the abducted victims is false and should be ignored by the public.

    “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the abducted students, pupils, and teachers in Orire Local Government Area are yet to be released, as intensive efforts by security agencies continue to ensure their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the criminal act,” the statement read.

    “The Command hereby debunks the rumour currently circulating that the victims have been rescued.”

    Residents urged to remain calm

    The police appealed to residents to stay calm and support ongoing security operations in the affected communities.

    The command also warned Nigerians against spreading unverified information, stressing that fake reports could create panic and distract security agencies from ongoing rescue efforts.

    “Members of the public are urged to remain calm, support the ongoing efforts of the joint security team, and verify every piece of information before sharing it.

    “The spread of fake news and misinformation only creates unnecessary panic, heightens tension, and diverts limited security resources that are critically needed for the ongoing operations,” the statement added.

    Fear grows after school attack

    The attack in Oriire Local Government Area has continued to trigger fear and outrage across the country after gunmen stormed schools and abducted pupils, teachers and residents.

    One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed, further deepening concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Oyo State.

    The police assured residents that verified updates would be communicated as investigations and rescue operations continue.

  • DHQ Says Oyo School Abductors Were Displaced Terrorists Fleeing Military Operations

    The Defence Headquarters has said the terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State were criminal elements displaced from other parts of the country following intensified military operations.

    The military made the clarification on Thursday while reacting to reports surrounding comments credited to the Defence Headquarters over terrorist activities in the South-West region.

    In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, the Defence Headquarters said the attackers belonged to the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorist group.

    Military links Oyo attack to displaced terrorists

    According to the statement, the terrorists were forced out of their former strongholds due to sustained military offensives across different parts of the country.

    “The recent incidence of kidnap in Oyo State was clearly perpetrated by terrorists of the JAS Group that have been dislodged from other parts of the country due to high-intensity operations being conducted all over,” the statement read.

    The military maintained that troops remained actively deployed in affected areas alongside other security agencies and local stakeholders to track down criminal groups.

    DHQ reacts to controversy

    The Defence Headquarters also dismissed what it described as misleading interpretations of its earlier comments regarding insecurity in the South-West.

    It stressed that the Armed Forces remained committed to protecting democratic institutions and supporting constitutional governance.

    “At no time did the Defence Headquarters undermine the authority of any democratically elected leader or seek to diminish the gravity of the heinous crime committed against innocent citizens by terrorist elements,” the statement added.

    Operations ongoing in Oyo communities

    The clarification comes days after terrorists attacked communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting pupils, teachers and residents from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle.

    The attacks also left several people dead, while one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed after a disturbing video linked to the incident surfaced online.

    The Defence Headquarters said the Armed Forces would continue operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks threatening peace and stability across the country.

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

  • Oyo Police Clarify Ogbomoso Panic Was False Alarm, Warn Against Fake Bandit Rumours

    The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports of a bandit attack in Ogbomoso and Ajaawa, describing the widespread panic on Tuesday as a false alarm triggered by misinformation circulating within affected communities.

    The Command said normalcy has since been restored, while reassuring residents that there was no security breach in the area as earlier feared.

    Police Deploy Operatives After Panic Spreads

    According to the statement issued on May 19, 2026, panic broke out in parts of Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, including Ajaawa Town, after rumours alleged that armed bandits had invaded the area near Are-Ago High School.

    The police said surveillance and patrol teams were immediately deployed to verify the claims and prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Upon arrival, officers engaged school authorities, including the principal, Mrs. Akanbi Ruth, who explained that the alarm started from students who reported sighting unfamiliar individuals near the school fence.

    NSCDC Officer, Civilians Cleared After Verification

    The Command disclosed that preliminary investigations identified the individuals at the centre of the panic as an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attached to the Kwara State Command, alongside two civilians.

    They were found in a Toyota Venza SUV and reportedly explained that they were in the area for a birthday visit.

    Security authorities in Ogbomoso were contacted to confirm the identity and status of the NSCDC officer involved.

    Altercation and Rumour Spread Trigger Escalation

    The police noted that an altercation between some teachers and the visitors further escalated suspicion within the school environment.

    This, according to the Command, led to students spreading unverified claims to nearby schools and communities, which quickly intensified panic across Ogbomoso and Ajaawa before facts were established.

    Police Warn Against Fake News

    The Command firmly stated that there was no bandit attack or invasion in the affected areas, stressing that the situation was fully contained.

    It added that patrols have been intensified and stakeholders engaged to reassure residents and maintain calm.

    The police also warned against the spread of fake news and unverified security reports, noting that such misinformation can trigger unnecessary fear and disrupt public order.

    It cautioned that individuals found guilty of spreading false security information will be investigated and prosecuted.

  • Family Of Killed Oyo Teacher Begs Nigerians To Stop Sharing Graphic Videos

    The family of murdered Oyo school teacher, Michael Oyedokun, has appealed to Nigerians and media platforms to stop circulating graphic videos and photos of his killing online.

    The appeal followed the tragic attack carried out by bandits in Aholo-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where pupils, students, and school staff were abducted from multiple schools last Friday.

    Family Speaks Out

    A family member, Adesewa Oladosu, made the emotional appeal in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying the repeated circulation of the disturbing content has worsened the pain of the family.

    “Hello everyone, please we sincerely appeal to the public and media platforms to kindly reduce or stop sharing the graphic videos and pictures of our beloved uncle,” she wrote.

    She explained that the videos and images have continued to traumatise the family, especially the late teacher’s children who are currently sitting for their WAEC examinations.

    “We truly appreciate the love, concern, and sympathy shown towards our family during this painful time,” she added.

    “However, the continuous circulation of those videos and images is deeply traumatizing for us as a family.”

    Children Writing WAEC Exams

    According to her, the emotional toll has been overwhelming for the deceased’s children, elderly relatives, and extended family members.

    “His children are currently writing their WAEC exams, and it has been extremely difficult emotionally for them, his elderly loved ones, and all of us his nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives especially as these contents keep appearing on social media,” she stated.

    The family urged Nigerians to use blurred images or officially released family photos whenever discussing the incident online.

    “For the sake of our mental and emotional wellbeing, we humbly ask that if it is necessary to post about the incident, please kindly blur the videos/images or make use of the pictures officially released by the family instead,” she appealed.

    “We sincerely appreciate your understanding, prayers, love, and support during this difficult period. Thank you.”

    Attack Sparks Outrage

    Mr Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded in a video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday, May 17, a development that has triggered outrage and grief across Nigeria.

    The attack in Oyo State has also intensified concerns over insecurity affecting schools and rural communities, with teachers and residents demanding urgent government intervention.