Families of dozens of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State are still waiting anxiously for their return more than one month after gunmen raided two schools and took away pupils and staff members.
A total of 46 children, aged between two and 16 years, alongside several school employees, were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked schools located near the outskirts of the Old Oyo National Park.
According to security authorities, the attack has been linked to suspected members of the extremist group Boko Haram, raising concerns about the spread of insurgent activities into southwestern Nigeria.
Communities Left Devastated
According to Punch, the affected communities of Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele have reportedly been thrown into mourning since the incident. Many homes and businesses remain deserted, while families continue to struggle with uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.
Among those affected is the family of Funmilayo Ojo, whose daughter-in-law, Mary Akanbi, and two-year-old grandchild were among those abducted from Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
Speaking about the tragedy, Ojo said she regretted encouraging her daughter-in-law to relocate to the area for a teaching job.
“There will be no more schooling for them here,” she reportedly said. “No parent would willingly send a child to a school where bandits have kidnapped students.”
The emotional toll has also affected younger siblings left behind. One family said a three-year-old girl continues asking why her brothers and cousin have not returned home.
Rescue Efforts Face Challenges
Witnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and wore military-style uniforms during the raid.
Local hunters who joined security personnel in rescue operations disclosed that troops, Amotekun operatives and community hunters pursued the kidnappers deep into the forest reserve shortly after the attack.
A hunter involved in the operation said security teams engaged the kidnappers in a firefight lasting nearly two hours after travelling several hours into the forest.
The operation reportedly resulted in casualties after an explosive device hidden in an abandoned motorcycle detonated, killing one person and injuring others.
Teachers Withdraw Services
The abduction has triggered a major response from the education sector.
The National Union of Teachers directed teachers across Oyo State to suspend work indefinitely until adequate security measures are put in place.
Many educators have expressed fears about returning to classrooms, particularly in rural communities.
One teacher in nearby Iseyin said the incident could discourage parents from enrolling their children in schools.
“If it could happen there, then nobody feels completely safe,” the teacher said.
Government Promises Continued Action
Security agencies insist efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted children and staff.
A senior police official, Deputy Inspector General Fayoade Adegoke, assured families that authorities remain committed to bringing the victims home safely.
Meanwhile, Seyi Makinde recently disclosed that a Nigerian Army lieutenant lost his life during rescue operations linked to the abduction.
The kidnapping has also attracted national attention, with community groups, parents, activists and public figures calling for stronger security measures to protect schools and secure the release of those still being held captive.
More than a month after the attack, families continue to wait for news, hoping the children and their teachers will return home safely.
