Oyo Abduction: ‘I’m The Only One She Has’, Woman Demands Ward’s Rescue

Families of victims abducted during a terrorist attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have continued to appeal for urgent government intervention, 14 days after the incident that left communities in fear and mourning.

One of the guardians, Aduke Balogun, made an emotional plea during a condolence visit by the Oriire Youth Council to affected communities in Esinele and Yawota. She said she had no biological ties in the area and had been solely responsible for raising her ward, Kehinde Kaosarat, whom she described as her only responsibility.

According to Balogun, the morning of the attack began like any normal school day before chaos erupted. She recalled seeing individuals dressed like soldiers, which initially caused confusion among residents.

“In the morning, we bathed our children and they went to school. After 9am, we saw some people dressed like soldiers. We thought they were visitors,” she said.

Moments later, gunfire broke out, forcing residents to flee in panic. She said she briefly saw the child during the chaos before losing contact as people scattered for safety.

Another resident, Madam Agnes, also recounted how the attackers struck shortly after school resumed, describing how gunmen arrived on motorcycles and opened fire, causing widespread panic. She said residents fled into surrounding bushes, abandoning children and teachers as they escaped.

Traditional ruler of Esinele, Tajudeen Abioye, confirmed that pupils, teachers, and school officials were abducted during the attack. He described the incident as devastating for the community and appealed for divine intervention alongside swift government action to secure the victims’ release.

The attack reportedly occurred on May 15, when armed men stormed schools in Yawota, Ahoro-Esinele, and Oriire LGA around 9:30am, abducting several pupils and staff. A mathematics teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the attackers, while the vice principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe, was also taken away.

Security authorities, including the Defence Headquarters, linked the attackers to suspected insurgent elements displaced from the North-East. Officials said the abductors have opened communication with the Oyo State Government but insisted on negotiating only with Governor Seyi Makinde.

Meanwhile, the state government has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming the victims had been rescued, describing them as false and misleading, while assuring that efforts are ongoing to secure their release and track the perpetrators.