Oyo Abduction: Principal in Captivity Warns Military Action Could Trigger Massacre of 46 Hostages

Oyo State, Nigeria – A fresh video released by kidnappers holding 46 victims in Oyo State has shown one of the abductees, school principal Rachael Alamu, appealing directly to the Federal Government to pursue dialogue instead of military force, warning that a planned rescue operation could get them all killed. The video was uploaded online after President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to secure the release of the victims, who have been held captive by an armed gang for over two weeks.

Speaking under duress from an undisclosed location within a forest in Oriire Local Government Area, Alamu said the kidnappers became agitated following reports that security operatives had been sent into the area. “We learned that yesterday some army was sent, and that has compounded our problems. It has added to our troubles,” she said in the video. According to the principal, the development has heightened tensions inside the kidnappers’ camp, with the abductors allegedly threatening retaliation if security forces attempt to enter the bush.

In a desperate plea, Alamu revealed that the captors had already selected one hostage for possible execution, accusing authorities of relying on force rather than engaging through negotiations. “Please, I am here again to beg the government. President Tinubu and the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to please help us and dialogue with these people. They should not use force. The force they have used yesterday has caused us so much. In fact, one of us has been picked that they are going to kill him because the government tried to help us by force,” she said. She appealed directly to government officials and security agencies to consider non-military options. “We are pleading with you not to force yourself into the bush, but please call them and dialogue with them so that the problem can be solved, and we will be able to go home alive.”

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The abductee further alleged that the kidnappers had threatened to kill all the victims if security personnel returned to the area. “They have promised to kill all of us if any of the armies come into the bush again. Please, we are pleading with you. We are begging you in the name of God,” she added.

The mass kidnapping occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen simultaneously raided three schools in Oriire Local Government Area: Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School; and L.A. Primary School. According to community leaders and official reports, 46 people were taken hostage. This includes seven teachers and 39 students, with some reports indicating the number of children could be as high as 46 depending on the source. The victims range in age from just two years old to 16 years old. Among the abducted is a two-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, and a nursing mother, Mary Akanbi, who is one of the teachers.

In response to the crisis, President Tinubu authorized a significant security surge in Oyo State. A high-powered delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa visited the affected communities. The President has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 local forest guards to secure forest corridors often used as hideouts by criminal gangs. Additionally, a specialized tactical unit has been deployed to Ogbomoso to coordinate the rescue effort. However, authorities have stated that the operation will be “intelligence-led” to prioritize the safety of the hostages. The Presidency has also defended its strategy of operational secrecy, arguing that public updates could compromise security efforts. “The kidnappers are on social media with us and follow the trends to get updates,” a presidential aide said.

The trauma of the event has paralyzed normal life in Oyo State. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) declared an indefinite, open-ended strike starting Monday, June 1, protesting against the continued detention of their colleagues and students. Parents have kept children home from school, and there is widespread fear across the affected communities.

Oyo Abduction: Principal in Captivity Warns Military Action Could Trigger Massacre of 46 Hostages

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

ABUJA – Human rights activist and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) , Omoyele Sowore, has threatened to lead a mass protest to occupy the Presidential Villa in Abuja if the Federal Government fails to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

In a strongly worded post on X on Sunday, Sowore issued a direct ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs, demanding swift action to rescue the victims who have been in captivity since May 15, 2026.

“If Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his service chiefs fail to track down and secure the release of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and other kidnapped people, we will have no choice but to occupy Aso Rock Villa this week!” Sowore wrote.

The activist described the ongoing kidnapping crisis as “the new political business in Nigeria” and questioned why children had become targets for criminal groups. He accused the government of failing to protect citizens and warned that public anger was growing over repeated attacks on schools and communities across the country.

Gunmen attacked three schools simultaneously in the rural communities of Ahoro-Esin-Ile, Yawota, and Alawusa in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The targeted schools included Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. The attackers, numbering about 12, came on motorcycles and struck around 9:30 a.m., abducting no fewer than 46 schoolchildren and teachers.

During the attack, an assistant head teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A commercial motorcyclist was also killed after refusing to surrender his motorcycle. The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) condemned the beheading, with National President Bishop Francis Wale Oke stating: “Our hearts are bleeding. We watched with horror the video released by the perpetrators, showing our brother—a devoted educator—bound, humiliated, and beheaded.”

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The abducted principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has made emotional appeals from captivity, begging President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to prioritise negotiation over the use of force.

Sowore has been highly critical of President Tinubu’s handling of the security crisis, describing the president as failing to take decisive action despite recurring mass abductions across the country. He noted that following killings in Plateau State, Tinubu promised to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras, yet violence continues. After the Oyo abduction, the president announced plans to deploy 1,000 forest guards, “yet kidnappings persist,” he argued.

The activist said he was prepared to mobilise Nigerians to occupy the Presidential Villa if urgent action was not taken to rescue the victims. “We are going to Aso Rock if these children are not rescued,” he said, adding that citizens could no longer remain silent while kidnappings continued across the country.

Sowore’s proposed “Occupy Aso Rock” protest appears aimed at increasing pressure on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims and tackling the wider problem of kidnapping across the country. He has been involved in several protests and campaigns on governance and human rights issues and has frequently criticised authorities over their handling of security matters.

The abduction has triggered widespread concern and condemnation from political leaders, activists, community groups, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), which has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, over the continued captivity of their colleagues and students. The NUT has also ordered its state wings nationwide to stage solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, to demand the unconditional release of the abducted victims. The union expressed deep concern over what it described as the “horrifying, inhumane and traumatic conditions” being endured by the abducted teachers and students.

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Yoruba leader Gani Adams has also warned that southwest states must strengthen their security systems to confront growing threats from kidnappers and armed gangs.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has, however, cautioned against protests, warning that public demonstrations could embolden the kidnappers and undermine ongoing rescue efforts. “This is not the time for protests. Terrorists and bandits do not think like normal people. If they did, they would not be carrying out such acts. Protests at this moment may only fuel their ego,” Makinde said.

The governor also disclosed that more than 200 operatives of the Amotekun Corps have lost their lives in the fight against insecurity in Oyo State. “People may not know the sacrifices they make. They go into dangerous situations and many do not return. May God help us put an end to the bloodshed in our state and country,” the governor said.

On Sunday, President Tinubu dispatched a high-powered delegation to the affected communities, led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and Special Adviser Sunday Dare.

The President 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. The delegation also informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be transmitted to the President for consideration.

Gbajabiamila assured residents: “Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely. He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.”

As of the time of reporting, rescue operations were ongoing, with security agencies working to secure the safe return of all abducted victims. The Federal Government has yet to officially respond to Sowore’s ultimatum.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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