Oyo school abduction: MURIC demands urgent rescue of remaining captives

Oyo school abduction: MURIC demands urgent rescue of remaining captives

IBADAN — The Oyo State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has alleged that the death toll from the recent abduction incident at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has risen to three persons.

In a press release issued on Monday, May 18, 2026, MURIC strongly condemned the gruesome killing of innocent citizens during the abduction, describing the act as callous, wicked and barbaric.

According to information available to the rights group, one teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were reportedly killed during the process of the abduction, while another abducted teacher, whose name was withheld, was later brutally beheaded in captivity by the terrorists.

The horrifying video allegedly released by the abductors, showing the gruesome execution of the teacher, has further exposed the frightening level of brutality now being unleashed on innocent Nigerians by criminal elements, MURIC stated.

The group described the incident as a tragic reminder of the deteriorating security situation in many parts of the country. “Schools are no longer safe. Rural communities are under siege. Innocent citizens now live in fear while criminals continue to operate with audacity,” the statement read.

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MURIC commiserated with the bereaved families, the management of Community High School, the people of Ahoro-Esinle, the entire Oriire Local Government, and the Government and people of Oyo State over the painful development.

The group noted with concern that among the abducted victims are innocent pupils, majority of whom are Muslims, alongside teachers who are predominantly Christians. MURIC therefore cautioned against giving the incident any ethnic or religious coloration, emphasizing that criminality knows no religion. “An attack on one innocent Nigerian is an attack on all,” the group stated.

While acknowledging the efforts being made by the Oyo State Government as well as security agencies, particularly the reported arrest of some suspects connected with the incident, MURIC insisted that more must be done urgently.

“We also sympathize with security personnel, including the Amotekun operatives and local vigilantes who reportedly lost their lives during rescue operations after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors,” the group added.

MURIC stated that mere promises and routine assurances are no longer enough, stressing that the remaining abducted teachers and pupils must be rescued alive and without delay. “Every second counts,” the group warned.

Consequently, MURIC called on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, Amotekun Corps, and all relevant security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen surveillance operations, and ensure the immediate rescue of the remaining captives.

The group also called for a comprehensive security audit of vulnerable schools and rural communities across Oyo State. “Government must not wait until more innocent lives are wasted before taking proactive steps. Preventive security is cheaper than mourning the dead,” MURIC stated.

At the same time, the rights group demanded that local collaborators, informants and logistics suppliers aiding kidnappers within communities must be exposed and decisively dealt with according to the law. “Communities must stop shielding criminals under any guise,” the statement read.

MURIC declared that Nigeria cannot continue like this, adding that citizens deserve the right to live, learn, work and travel without fear of abduction or violent death. “Government at all levels must rise to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property,” the group insisted.

The group prayed to Almighty Allah to comfort the families of the deceased, grant speedy recovery to injured security personnel, and ensure the safe release of those still in captivity.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not officially confirmed the rising death toll or the reported beheading of a teacher, but rescue operations are said to be ongoing.

Oyo school abduction: MURIC demands urgent rescue of remaining captives