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

Published

5 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.

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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

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Tinubu Heads to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Seeks Allah’s Blessings for Nigeria

Published

10 hours ago

October 28, 2026

Trends Admin

Tinubu Heads to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Seeks Allah’s Blessings for Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday to perform Umrah, the Islamic lesser pilgrimage, and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.

The planned trip was announced on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the announcement, Tinubu will use the spiritual journey to seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens as the country continues to grapple with economic and security challenges.

Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar.

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Before departing Abuja, the President is expected to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force to support its operations. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise in Saudi Arabia.

The planned visit comes as his administration continues to pursue economic reforms and address security concerns across the country.

The Presidency said the pilgrimage would provide the President with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion, including prayers for Nigeria’s continued peace, unity and development.

The announcement did not provide further details about the President’s travel delegation or the precise date of his return.

Tinubu Heads to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Seeks Allah’s Blessings for Nigeria

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State Police: Gbajabiamila Warns States Must Prove Funding Capacity Before Take-Off

Published

11 hours ago

October 28, 2026

Trends Admin

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill

State Police: Gbajabiamila Warns States Must Prove Funding Capacity Before Take-Off

Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said states seeking to establish their own police forces must demonstrate the financial capacity to sustain their operations, warning that inadequate funding could undermine professionalism and expose officers to improper influence.

Gbajabiamila said the proposed state police system would require more than the initial purchase of patrol vehicles, uniforms and equipment, stressing that state governments must be able to pay salaries regularly, provide continuous training and cover operational expenses.

He spoke on Monday during a session on security, stability and economic resilience at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja.

According to the presidential aide, states must make credible financial provisions for the long-term running of their police services before the new arrangements begin operations.

“A state taking on policing must be able to sustain the service after the initial purchase of vehicles and uniforms,” he said.

Gbajabiamila warned that police institutions unable to meet their financial obligations could become vulnerable to private interests and unlawful demands, potentially compromising officers’ independence and the protection of citizens.

He added that federal policing would remain available in states that were not financially or institutionally ready to establish their own police services.

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The proposed reform forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to decentralise policing, improve local intelligence gathering and strengthen responses to insecurity across the country.

Gbajabiamila argued that military operations alone could not provide the sustained presence required to prevent crime, investigate offences and restore normal life in communities affected by violence.

He said effective local policing could help reduce response times, improve cooperation between security personnel and residents, and enable displaced communities and businesses to return to areas affected by insecurity.

However, he stressed that the Nigeria Police Force would remain essential in addressing crimes that cross state boundaries and threats requiring specialised national capabilities.

The presidential aide also acknowledged concerns that state governors could use local police formations to intimidate political opponents or target vulnerable communities.

He said the proposed framework would incorporate enforceable limits on police powers, independent oversight and mechanisms through which citizens could seek redress for abuses.

“The concern that police powers could be used against political opponents or vulnerable communities is serious. Our answer is to place enforceable limits on those powers and provide remedies when they are abused,” he said.

Gbajabiamila maintained that access to police protection must not depend on a citizen’s political affiliation, background or place of origin.

Private sector urged to support state police funding

The Chief of Staff also called on the organised private sector, including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, chambers of commerce and business associations, to develop practical proposals for financing and implementing the proposed state police system.

He said insecurity had increased business costs through disrupted supply chains, delayed investments, abandoned projects and additional spending on private security.

According to him, businesses have a direct interest in ensuring that communities where their workers, suppliers and customers live are safe.

He urged business leaders to engage governors and lawmakers on sustainable financing arrangements, institutional management and accountable partnerships.

However, Gbajabiamila cautioned that private sector contributions must not give companies or wealthy individuals influence over police investigations or access to preferential treatment.

He said public funding must remain dependable, while private contributions should be transparently recorded, publicly accounted for and subjected to independent scrutiny.

24 state assemblies approve constitutional amendment

Providing an update on the process, Gbajabiamila disclosed that 24 State Houses of Assembly had approved the constitutional amendment required for state police as of October 23, 2026, meeting the two-thirds threshold for state legislative approval.

He also said the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill had submitted a draft National Policing Bill and 29 consequential amendment bills to the Federal Ministry of Justice on October 19 for review.

The proposals are expected to be presented to President Tinubu before being transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration.

The legislative process remains a key step towards establishing the legal framework for decentralised policing.

If adopted, the proposed arrangement would give willing and financially capable states greater responsibility for local security while retaining a federal police institution to handle national and cross-border threats.

Gbajabiamila said the success of the reform would depend on sustainable funding, professional standards, effective oversight and safeguards against political interference.

State Police: Gbajabiamila Warns States Must Prove Funding Capacity Before Take-Off

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TUC Rejects Tinubu’s ₦70,000 Transport Allowance, Demands ₦300,000 Salary

Published

11 hours ago

October 28, 2026

Trends Admin

President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) Festus Osifo

TUC Rejects Tinubu’s ₦70,000 Transport Allowance, Demands ₦300,000 Salary

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers, demanding an immediate salary increase and the full implementation of outstanding agreements with health workers.

The labour centre said temporary financial relief would not adequately address the rising cost of living, insisting that Nigerian workers needed sustainable wage increases rather than allowances that could be inconsistently implemented.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and signed by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N.A. Toro, the TUC urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review workers’ salaries without waiting for negotiations on another national minimum wage.

The union’s position followed President Tinubu’s announcement of a six-month transport allowance for workers, scheduled to begin in November 2026, after a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The TUC said it had communicated its demands to the Federal Government in a letter dated October 8, following a meeting of its National Administrative Council in Abuja. It added that subsequent consultations with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, had not changed its opposition to the proposed allowance.

The congress argued that the government could increase salaries without waiting for a new minimum wage agreement, noting that there was no legal ceiling on the amount employers could pay their workers.

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It proposed raising the salary of the lowest-paid federal worker from the current ₦70,000 to ₦300,000, with corresponding adjustments for other salary grades.

The TUC said the proposed increase was necessary to help workers cope with rising food prices, transportation costs, healthcare expenses and other essential household needs.

It also pointed to some state governments that have introduced minimum wages above ₦100,000, arguing that the Federal Government should consider a more substantial and lasting adjustment to workers’ earnings.

The congress maintained that negotiations over a new national minimum wage should not be used as a reason to delay an immediate salary review.

Why TUC rejected the transport allowance

The labour organisation cited the incomplete implementation of the ₦40,000 wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour in October 2023 as a major reason for rejecting another temporary payment arrangement.

According to the TUC, some workers were still owed one or two months of the previous award, while others allegedly received nothing. It also complained that payments to some beneficiaries were irregular, with intervals of one or two months.

The congress further claimed that more than 80 per cent of states and workers in the informal sector had not benefited from any form of wage award.

It questioned why workers should trust another temporary arrangement when, according to the union, previous commitments had not been fully honoured.

The TUC argued that a permanent salary increase would provide more predictable financial support and help workers plan their household expenses more effectively.

TUC demands implementation of JOHESU agreement

Beyond the salary dispute, the congress called on the Federal Government to implement its outstanding agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), particularly the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The TUC said its president had led an organised labour delegation, including JOHESU representatives, in negotiations aimed at resolving the union’s prolonged industrial dispute.

The discussions culminated in a conciliation meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, where both parties agreed on measures to address outstanding issues affecting health workers.

According to the TUC, JOHESU suspended its industrial action in good faith after the agreement was reached, but the government had yet to implement the agreed CONHESS adjustment seven months later.

The congress described the delay as a failure to honour a formal commitment and warned that it could undermine confidence in collective bargaining.

It called for the immediate implementation of the adjustment, publication of a clear timetable, adequate budgetary provisions and consultations with the affected unions to resolve outstanding matters.

The TUC said health workers should not be expected to continue providing essential services while agreed improvements to their conditions of service remained outstanding.

Union seeks broader measures to ease economic hardship

The congress also urged the Federal Government, state governments and local government authorities to introduce measurable interventions to reduce the cost of essential goods and services.

It said economic hardship affected not only federal employees but also state and local government workers, pensioners, private-sector employees and people working in the informal economy.

The union called for timely payment of salaries and pensions, protection of existing jobs, action against exploitative labour practices and renewed investment in productive sectors capable of generating decent employment.

It stressed that government interventions should be inclusive, adequately funded and supported by clear implementation timelines.

The TUC said it was awaiting the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next course of action.

The dispute highlights continuing tensions between organised labour and the government over workers’ purchasing power, wage adjustments and the implementation of previously negotiated agreements.

The proposed ₦70,000 transport allowance is a temporary measure planned for six months, while the TUC’s demand for a ₦300,000 salary floor remains a proposal and has not been approved by the Federal Government.