According to a report by Premium Times on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Abdulfatai Buhari, the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, has disclosed disturbing details about the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, revealing that the kidnappers transported several of the victims into the forest by tying groups of children together on motorcycles.
According to the lawmaker, the armed criminals carried out the operation in a manner that exposed the children to severe danger and fear as they were moved away from their communities.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Buhari explained that the abductors were heavily armed and moved the victims deep into the forest while documenting the operation on video.
He said the kidnappers, who were equipped with machine guns, appeared confident throughout the attack and even recorded footage of themselves as they escorted the captives away from the area.
The senator recounted the circumstances surrounding the incident, noting that the children were grouped together and fastened to one another while being transported on motorcycles.
He described the situation as alarming, explaining that the victims had little chance of escape as armed men surrounded them during the journey into the forest.
Buhari said the videos released by the kidnappers highlighted the traumatic conditions under which the victims were taken away.
A total of 49 individuals were abducted during the attack, the victims include pupils, teachers and a toddler who were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele.
The affected communities are located within the Oyo North Senatorial District, which Buhari represents in the Senate.
The abduction occurred on 15 May when armed men invaded the area and seized the victims, since then, the children, teachers and other captives have remained in the custody of their abductors.
Concerns over their welfare have continued to grow as efforts to secure their release remain ongoing.
Among those abducted was Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, who was reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
Buhari stated that the teacher was beheaded while in captivity, reports also indicate that the remaining hostages, particularly the children, are enduring difficult and harsh conditions as they continue to be held by the criminals.
The incident has attracted widespread concern across the country and prompted action from relevant stakeholders.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) commenced an indefinite strike on 1 June to demand the immediate rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
In response to the situation, President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen ongoing security operations, support efforts to secure the release of the victims, and enhance surveillance across vulnerable forest corridors.
Buhari said: “When they were taking the children away, six, seven or eight children, they would tie them back to each other. One person would be in front of the Okada, another one would be at the back of the Okada with a machine gun. You can see that terrifying situation. And they were videoing themselves and releasing it,”
