In the quiet communities of Oriire Local Government Area, families of abducted victims in Ogbomoso, Oyo State continue to endure sleepless nights and unbearable anxiety more than two weeks after gunmen stormed three schools, abducting dozens of children and teachers.
The brazen attack has left entire villages in mourning, with parents, spouses, and relatives sharing gut-wrenching accounts of the day their loved ones were taken.
The incident, which occurred in mid-May 2026 in communities including Yawota, Alawusa, and Ahoro-Esinele, saw over 45 pupils and teachers kidnapped.
Tragically, one teacher was beheaded, while others, including a school principal and even a toddler, remain in captivity. Families of abducted victims in Ogbomoso have been pleading with the Oyo State Government and security agencies for swift intervention to secure the safe release of their loved ones.
Wole Alamu, husband of the abducted Ogbomoso principal, has appealed to Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, to intensify efforts to rescue his wife and other victims in captivity.
Alamu broke down in tears while speaking on Saturday when the governor visited the families of the abducted victims in Oyo State.
Rachael, Alamu’s wife, alongside some staff members and students of a Community High School, was abducted on May 15 when gunmen invaded three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire in Ogbomoso.
Speaking during the governor’s visit, a visibly distressed Alamu thanked Makinde for his efforts so far, but pleaded with him not to relent in the rescue mission.
“Our governor, we thank you because we know the efforts you have made since this incident happened. But please, don’t be weary in the rescue mission for our people in captivity,” he said.
Alamu said it has been heartbreaking to see his wife in the viral footage circulating online.
“My wife is the one being used to make the videos that are being circulated. It is very disheartening and depressing,” he said in Yoruba, kneeling as he begged the governor.
Makinde thereafter moved to embrace the visibly distressed man, who broke down in tears as he hugged the governor.
The governor said he is also emotionally affected by the abduction but assured families of urgent efforts to secure the release of their loved ones.
“All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because of security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release,” Makinde said.
The development comes amid growing public concern over rising cases of terror attacks spilling into the south-west from the north, long considered the epicentre of insecurity.
