metro

Oyo School Attack: Student Reveals How She Fled as Teacher Abandoned Pupils

Published

2 months ago

June 1, 2026

Oyo School Attack: Student Reveals How She Fled as Teacher Abandoned Pupils

IBADAN – Fear and uncertainty have continued to grip communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the coordinated attack on three educational institutions in the rural communities of Ahoro-Esin-Ile, Yawota and Alawusa on May 15, as survivors and families of victims recounted their ordeal.

Among those still struggling to come to terms with the attack is Aminat, a student who narrowly escaped when armed men stormed her school while examinations were underway. Narrating her experience to a Nigerian filmmaker and On-air Personality, Chude Jideonwo, Aminat said what began as a normal school day quickly turned into chaos when gunshots rang out across the school premises.

“We were writing an exam when we heard them shooting. That’s how we ran into the bush. Even our teacher ran away. We haven’t seen him since then,” she said.

The student recalled that amid the confusion and stampede that followed, pupils scattered in different directions in a desperate bid to save their lives. According to her, it was only after the family conducted frantic searches that they realised her elder brother was among those missing. “Since then I have not seen my elder brother. After searching everywhere and he was nowhere to be found, that’s how we knew he was missing,” she said.

Sixteen days after the abduction, residents of Yawata, Alausa and Esinele villages have deserted their homes over fear and uncertainty. Most of the houses were under lock and key, while soldiers were stationed at the Esinele school and different locations within the communities. The attackers left behind scattered books, bags and personal belongings as evidence of the panic that followed. At the Baptist school in Esin-Ile, where some of the victims were taken, pupils’ boxes and school bags remained strewn across classrooms long after the attackers had fled. The incident has now left parents devastated and fearful for the safety of their children.

Residents said the attack occurred simultaneously across the affected communities, catching many families and school authorities off guard. A resident, Ogune Tegba, narrated how the attackers disguised themselves as soldiers. “I came back from the farm and was eating outside when I heard gunshots. We wanted to check what was happening at Yawata when they passed on bikes. Each of them was carrying two guns. They dressed like soldiers. We were initially happy that soldiers had come to help us not knowing they were not. They came with six bikes and when they were coming back, they collected our pastor’s motorcycle and that of one teacher and a car. They later burnt the car,” he said.

READ ALSO:

A teacher at Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Elizabeth Olagoke, also recounted: “The attackers came around 8 a.m. We had all started the morning session. They came on six motorcycles, and there were two passengers on each bike.”

In two separate videos released from captivity, the abducted principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, made emotional appeals to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to prioritise negotiation over force in securing the victims’ release. Speaking from captivity in a distress video circulated on social media, the visibly exhausted principal said the abductees, including schoolchildren, had spent days in the forest under harsh weather conditions.

“Please, I am here again to beg the government, President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde, to help us and dialogue with these people. They should not use force,” she said. She alleged that one of the captives had been killed following a recent rescue attempt. “The force they used yesterday has caused us so much pain. It has added to our problem. In fact, one of us has been picked, and they said they will kill him because the government tried to help us by force. We want you to call them and dialogue with them so that our lives will be saved,” she added.

In another recording, the principal said the victims had spent about 13 days in the forest. “Today is the 27th of May, 2026. It has been about 13 days since we were picked from work. And till now, we are still in the bush. We are in the cold, under the sun and rain. Please, don’t let them waste our lives,” she pleaded.

The abductors have reportedly refused to negotiate with families, insisting on dealing directly with government authorities. Professor Wole Alamu of LAUTECH, Iseyin Campus, whose wife, Principal Rachael Alamu, is among the abductees, disclosed that the captors have maintained contact only through WhatsApp messages but have consistently rejected any attempt by the family to engage them directly.

“The captors said they don’t want to talk to us. They only want to talk to the government, and that is why we are helpless. Anytime they want to communicate, they send messages to me through WhatsApp,” he said. He added that since the incident, the family had not spoken directly with her, except for videos allegedly produced under duress by the kidnappers. “Since May 15, we have not heard from her apart from the videos she was forced to produce by the captors,” he said.

READ ALSO:

An elderly woman broke down in tears as she appealed to the government, revealing that four of her grandchildren and her daughter-in-law are still being held captive. She spoke on Saturday when Governor Seyi Makinde visited the affected communities. “Please help us. We all parents are here,” the woman said on her knees as she wept. “I have four grandchildren who are in nursery school, and my daughter-in-law, who is a teacher, is currently being held captive by those kidnappers.”

The husband of the abducted principal also spoke at the meeting, breaking down in tears. “My wife is the woman the terrorists recorded to speak to Nigerians. Seeing a video of my wife in a terrorist den is depressing and disheartening,” Mr. Alamu said.

One of the affected parents, identified simply as Mama Muheez, who is the mother of Aminat, said her eight-year-old son, Abdulraman, was among those abducted. “When they finished eating, they went to school. We heard they were kidnapped before 11 a.m. The government told us they have been looking for them. It has been difficult. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep,” she said.

She added that the remaining children in her family are too frightened to return to school. “For now they can’t go back to school because we are scared. The government should help us. These children are my life,” the mother of six said.

Another parent, Gabriel Sunday, whose two children were among those abducted, lamented that the pain and uncertainty had left many parents traumatised. “We have not felt the government. They are not doing enough. If I am seeing the grave of my child, it is better than how they have taken them away. They should have mercy on us and help us to see our children again. Should they not go to school again? Jacob is six years old, while Mary is four. They should help us to bring our children back alive. There had been no peace of mind since the day of the incident,” he said.

For Sarah Aina, the attack has brought fresh anguish to a family already coping with loss. She said one of her twin children was taken away while sitting for an examination. “My kids are twins. They were writing an exam when the bandits came and asked them to stand up. That’s how they picked one of the twins,” she said. Aina, who is raising the children after the death of their parents, appealed to government authorities to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release. “We ask the government to help us. We are still scared,” she said.

READ ALSO:

A hired worker in Yawota community, Aduke Balogun, who has no family in the area, has also appealed to the government to rescue her ward among the scores of schoolchildren still in captivity. “I am the father of the child and the mother of the child. Her parents are not here. Me too, I have no one. I came here as a hired worker,” she said. She said she caught a brief glimpse of her daughter, Kehinde Kaosarat, in the chaos before losing her. “Please help me. We are visitors. We are begging the government. We know they are working. But they should help free our children,” she appealed.

As security agencies and local volunteers mobilised to rescue the abducted victims, tragedy struck again. One of the residents, Adigun Michael, disclosed that his brother, Shuaibu Adigun, was killed during efforts to locate the kidnapped children after rescuers encountered explosives planted along access routes by the attackers.

“My brother was among those who went in search of the kidnapped children, but they laid mines along the road. It was the bomb that my brother matched and died,” he said. Michael said his late brother worked at the national park and left behind a wife and children. “The pain is much,” he added.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed that security operatives, comprising soldiers, members of the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes, died while carrying out operations to rescue the abducted teachers. The operatives died after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the abductors.

Governor Seyi Makinde visited the affected communities on Saturday and assured families of the victims that efforts were ongoing to secure their release. “Please believe in me. I have not been sleeping well myself. Together with the service commanders, we meet twice every day, once in the morning and once at night, sometimes until 10 or 11 p.m.,” the governor said.

“All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because it has security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release,” Makinde told the grieving families.

On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu dispatched a high-powered delegation to the area, led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; and the President’s Special Adviser on Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

The President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State in partnership with the state government and directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to free the abducted victims.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to commence an indefinite strike from Monday, June 1, 2026, over the continued abduction of teachers and pupils in the state. In a statement signed by the NUT Oyo State Wing Chairman, Hassan Fatai, and Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the union said the prolonged captivity of the abductees has created fear and anxiety among teachers and disrupted confidence in the school system.

Residents believe the attackers escaped through routes linked to the old Oyo National Park after carrying out the operation. The attack has left the affected communities traumatised, with many schools yet to resume normal activities.

The Mogaji of the community, Yekini Abioye, described the incident as unprecedented in the history of the community. “It was around 9 a.m. that we started hearing gunshots and they said bandits were in town. This has never happened in this town. We are shattered as a community,” he said.

According to him, the attack has left residents traumatised and fearful, with many parents refusing to allow their children return to school. “They first killed a vigilante person. We need the army around here. The children can’t return to school for now,” Abioye added.

As of the time of reporting, rescue operations were ongoing, with security agencies working to secure the safe return of all abducted victims.

Oyo School Attack: Student Reveals How She Fled as Teacher Abandoned Pupils

Related Topics:oyo pupils school attack Teacher’

Up Next

Oyo Abduction: Sowore Issues Tinubu Ultimatum, Threatens to Occupy Aso Rock

Don't Miss

Nigeria Cannot Secure 300,000 Schools Without State Police — Omokri

metro

Man Uses Hot Pressing Iron on Daughter’s Private Part for Bedwetting

Published

3 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Trends Admin

Man Uses Hot Pressing Iron on Daughter’s Private Part for Bedwetting

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested one Amos Paul, a resident of Unaun, Upenme in Owo Local Government Area, for allegedly inflicting grievous bodily harm on his 10-year-old daughter. The suspect was arrested on Thursday, July 16, 2026, following a report filed with the police regarding the incident. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the suspect allegedly used a hot pressing iron to burn the private part of his daughter as punishment for bed-wetting. The victim sustained severe injuries and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where she is currently receiving medical treatment. Jimoh stated that upon receipt of the information, detectives from ‘A’ Division, Owo swiftly mobilised to the scene, arrested the suspect without delay, and took him into custody. The case has been transferred to the Gender Unit for discreet investigation and further necessary action in line with established procedures.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, condemned the alleged act in the strongest terms, describing it as “cruel, inhumane and completely unacceptable”. He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society from all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation. The Commissioner urged members of the public to promptly report cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other related offences to the nearest police station, assuring that the command will continue to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.

READ ALSO:

The Commissioner for Women Affairs in Ondo State was reportedly taking over the matter on behalf of the state government. This underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the rising cases of child abuse in the state. Nigeria’s Child Rights Act of 2003 prohibits corporal punishment and protects children from all forms of violence and degrading treatment. However, conflicting constitutional provisions and the partial adoption of the Child Rights Act by states applying Islamic law have impeded its full implementation. Under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, a parent who inflicts bodily harm on a child can be prosecuted, with conviction attracting up to 3 years imprisonment, a fine, or both. The Criminal Code also counts grievous bodily harm as an offence, irrespective of the offender’s relationship to the victim. Despite these legal protections, enforcement remains weak due to poor institutional capacity, limited awareness, and cultural acceptance of corporal punishment. The Nigerian government has pledged to end corporal punishment in schools as part of new global commitments to tackle violence against children.

Man Uses Hot Pressing Iron on Daughter’s Private Part for Bedwetting

metro

I Spent N2.2m for Habila’s Strange Illness, Says Umahi

Published

3 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Trends Admin

I Spent N2.2m for Habila’s Strange Illness, Says Umahi

Minister of Works breaks silence on nurse’s death, describes her as “like a daughter,” insists on autopsy to determine cause

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the death of Mary Habila, the nurse who died at his official residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27, 2026. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi revealed that he personally spent over ₦2.2 million on her medical treatment and described the deceased as “like a daughter” to him. Umahi dismissed allegations linking him to the incident, describing attempts to politicise the young woman’s death as unfair and misleading. He maintained that he suspects no foul play in the circumstances surrounding her death.

According to the minister, Habila had lived with his family for about three years and worked as a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State. He clarified that she was a nurse, contrary to reports that described her as a physiotherapist. “The lady in question was like a daughter to me. She had stayed with me for three years. She was a staff member of the Federal Medical University. She was a nurse and not a physiotherapist. And her family and my family are like one family,” Umahi said. The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) later confirmed that Habila did not appear on the database of registered physiotherapists in Nigeria, supporting Umahi’s clarification that she was a nurse.

Umahi disclosed that Habila had been battling health challenges and was receiving treatment at a Turkish Hospital in Abuja, with all her medical expenses paid by him. He said her last hospital visit was on April 5, 2026, during which he personally paid about ₦2.2 million for her treatment. “She has her medical records in Turkish Hospital, being paid by us. The last one was on the 5th of April, and it cost me N2.2 million. The records are there. I paid N2.2 million,” he stated.

READ ALSO:

Providing details of the events leading to her death, Umahi said Habila had spoken with her boyfriend shortly before she died and complained of bleeding from her nose. “She spoke to her boyfriend at the hour of her death, complaining that she was bleeding from the nose. The boyfriend said, ‘No, you have to report it.’ She said it had stopped. The boyfriend then said, ‘Listen, I will not continue this conversation since you are bleeding. It will increase the bleeding,'” Umahi recounted. According to the minister, the boyfriend cut the call and called back about three minutes later, but she did not answer. The following morning, after repeated attempts to reach her failed, colleagues forced open her room and found her dead, with the bathroom tap still running. Umahi also recalled that during an earlier official trip to Lagos, Habila had suffered another episode of nosebleeding and informed her boyfriend, who advised her to seek immediate medical attention. She reportedly declined to report it to him because she did not want to cause him stress.

The minister stressed that the guest house where Habila died was separate from his personal residence and questioned why he should be held responsible simply because the facility belonged to the Ministry of Works. “The guest house where she stayed is nowhere near where I live. Does it mean that if someone dies in the Ministry of Works, the minister must automatically be held responsible?” he asked. The minister also defended another medical staff member mentioned in reports, explaining that he had worked with her since his days as governor before securing federal employment.

Umahi disclosed that investigators had been unable to conduct an autopsy because the deceased’s family had objected on cultural grounds. He, however, insisted that determining the exact cause of death through a post-mortem examination was essential. “We have been begging the parents to allow an autopsy to happen. They said it is against their culture. But we insisted through our lawyer that an autopsy should happen. I have directed that the corpse cannot be removed until an autopsy,” he stated. The Ebonyi State Police Command has similarly insisted on an autopsy, describing it as necessary given the sensitive nature of the case and the imperative of establishing the true cause of death.

Habila’s father, Tanko Habila, has formally rejected the autopsy request in an affidavit filed before the High Court of Justice, Ebonyi State. The family said it does not suspect foul play and wants the body released for burial without further medical procedures. “We don’t keep the body of a young child for this long. All I want is the corpse of my daughter so that we can bury her,” Tanko Habila said. The family’s lawyer, Kaile Yusuf, said the family had fulfilled all police requirements for the release of Habila’s remains but had yet to receive the body nearly three weeks after her death.

Umahi said he had requested the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation to Abuja to ensure a thorough inquiry and facilitate discussions with the deceased’s family. He also urged investigators to obtain and analyse the call records of the deceased and her boyfriend. The minister described the loss as deeply painful, saying Habila was one of his most dedicated staff members and would be difficult to replace. He urged Nigerians to refrain from spreading misinformation and allow the police investigation to run its course.

I Spent N2.2m for Habila’s Strange Illness, Says Umahi

metro

Falana threatens to sue FG over judges’ luxury housing scheme in Abuja

Published

3 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Trends Admin

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana

Falana threatens to sue FG over judges’ luxury housing scheme in Abuja

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has threatened to institute legal proceedings against the Federal Government over the allocation of newly completed luxury houses to judges in Katampe, Abuja, describing the initiative as discriminatory, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the principle of equality before the law.

Falana made his position known shortly after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) handed over another batch of judges’ quarters built under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. While acknowledging that judicial officers deserve decent welfare and secure accommodation, he argued that it is unlawful for the government to extend such exclusive benefits to judges while neglecting other categories of public servants.

Speaking in a video circulated by News Central Television, Falana said he was deeply concerned after watching the official handover ceremony, questioning the legal basis for providing houses solely to judges.

“We have got to a stage in the country where we need to challenge the special privileges given to the rich and top public officers. I watched the Federal Government handing over the keys of houses to judges and asked myself under what law we are operating because it is discriminatory and illegal. You must treat us equally in our country,” he said.

According to Falana, the issue is not whether judges deserve quality accommodation, but whether the government can lawfully favour one category of public officials while denying similar opportunities to others who also play vital roles in national development.

READ ALSO:

He stressed that judicial officers require secure housing to protect the independence of the judiciary and enable them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively. However, he maintained that professors, doctors, civil servants, researchers and other public employees also deserve adequate welfare and housing support.

Falana disclosed that he would soon approach the courts to seek a judicial interpretation of the government’s decision, insisting that the principle of equality before the law should apply to every Nigerian regardless of profession or public office.

“If you don’t do it, you can be challenged, and that is going to happen very soon because what is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he stated.

The senior advocate cited the condition of university lecturers as an example, noting that many professors who have devoted decades to teaching and research are poorly remunerated and often live in rented accommodation because of inadequate staff housing.

He also criticised the welfare structure for career civil servants, arguing that many retire after more than three decades of service without access to decent housing, while some political office holders continue to enjoy multiple government-funded residences and generous allowances after leaving executive office.

Falana further questioned the continued benefits enjoyed by several former governors now serving in the National Assembly, alleging that many receive legislative salaries and allowances while retaining official residences in both their home states and Abuja.

The controversy follows the recent commissioning of additional residential units for judges under the FCT Administration’s Judicial Housing Programme, part of a broader initiative to construct 40 housing units for judicial officers in the Federal Capital Territory.

At the commissioning ceremony, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), defended the housing initiative, describing it as an investment in judicial independence, the rule of law and the efficient administration of justice rather than a personal privilege for judges.

Similarly, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike explained that the houses would be allocated on an owner-occupier basis, subject to presidential approval. He added that the project forms part of ongoing efforts by the administration to improve the welfare, security and working conditions of judicial officers across the Federal Capital Territory.

Legal analysts say the planned lawsuit could trigger a significant constitutional debate over the extent of executive powers in providing welfare packages to members of one arm of government and whether such benefits violate the constitutional principle of equal treatment.

The case may also test the balance between improving judicial welfare and ensuring fairness in the distribution of public resources among different categories of public servants.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, and the National Judicial Council (NJC) had not officially responded to Falana’s threat to institute legal proceedings.