Anger and condemnation have continued to spread across Nigeria following the abduction of students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with fresh outrage erupting after a viral video allegedly showed one of the victims being killed by the kidnappers.
The victim, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was said to be a mathematics teacher abducted alongside pupils and colleagues during Friday’s attack on schools in the area.
Armed bandits had reportedly invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 16, abducting about 30 students and teachers while killing two persons during the operation.
The disturbing development triggered nationwide reactions on Monday after the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing the murdered teacher in captivity.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 children and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School.
The governor said the state government was open to dialogue if it would help secure the safe release of the victims.
“Whatever it is they demand, we are ready to listen to them and address the ones we can address as a government, but the children and teachers must be released,” Makinde said.
He added that security agencies were already coordinating rescue operations, although certain details could not yet be disclosed for operational reasons.
Reacting to the attack, President Bola Tinubu described the incident as barbaric and vowed that the abducted victims would be rescued.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President said the Inspector-General of Police had deployed tactical and intelligence units for a technology-driven rescue mission.
Tinubu also renewed his support for the creation of state police, saying the incident exposed serious security gaps in underserved areas.
“The bandits and their collaborators will be hunted down and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the President stated.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Fred Emuobo, has reportedly relocated the command’s operational base to Ogbomoso to personally coordinate rescue efforts.
Police authorities also confirmed the arrest of six suspects believed to be informants for the kidnappers.
According to security sources, the suspects were tracked through telephone communications allegedly exchanged with the abductors.
Authorities said the suspects are currently assisting ongoing investigations.
The Oyo State Police Command also disclosed that the viral video allegedly showing the beheading of the teacher was undergoing forensic analysis to verify its authenticity and support ongoing investigations.
The incident has triggered fear across affected communities, with many schools in Oriire Local Government reportedly deserted on Monday as teachers staged peaceful protests demanding the immediate rescue of the abducted students and staff.
Several abductees have also appeared in viral videos from captivity, pleading with the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, religious organisations, and Nigerians to intervene before more lives are lost.
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