OYO SCHOOL ABDUCTION: My 4 Grandchildren, Daughter-in-Law Are In The Forest, Woman Cries Out

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Tarkaa David, Abuja,  Adebayo Waheed

For Mrs Funmilayo Ojo, each passing hour adds to her pains and worries.

For the first time since the abduction in Oyo State, her voice was heard by the authorities.

Standing among worried relatives at Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire local government area of Oyo State, the elderly woman fought to hold back tears as she recounted the nightmare that has engulfed her family and the community since the abduction of some pupils, teachers and staff by suspected bandits.

With her voice weighed down by fear and uncertainty, she cried out to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, “My four grandchildren and my son’s wife are among those abducted.”

Since the abduction of the victims from communities around Ahoro-Esiele, families have been left trapped in a painful cycle of hope, anxiety and helpless waiting.

While security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the victims, their families continue to endure sleepless nights and agonising days.

She spoke yesterday as parents, grandparents and relatives gathered at the community field when Governor Makinde visited the area to sympathise with families and reassure them that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims.

For Mrs Ojo, the tragedy has emptied her home of laughter and left her family suspended between hope and despair.

Families of the victims said that every knock on the doors, phone calls and rumours spreading through the community raise expectations that the captives may soon return. Which is yet to happen.

Some residents described the abduction as the first of its kind in the community, saying they never imagined such a tragedy could strike their peaceful settlements.

The fear extends beyond those whose relatives were taken. Entire communities have been shaken by the attack, with residents worried about their safety and the future of their children.

Among those carrying a particularly heavy burden is Professor Wole Alamu of LAUTECH, Iseyin Campus, whose wife, a school principal, is among the abductees.

While commending the government’s intervention, he appealed for sustained efforts to bring the victims home safely, reflecting the desperate hope shared by many affected families.

The emotional toll of the abduction was also evident during the visit of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye Afolabi, who travelled to Esiele, Yawota and Ahoro-Dada communities to identify with residents.

According to the monarch, the incidents have brought pain, fear and uncertainty to families and have left wounds felt across Ogbomosoland.

For many residents, the crisis has become a daily struggle against fear. Parents worry about children who are no longer at home. Elderly relatives wait anxiously for news. Families gather each evening to pray for the safe return of their loved ones.

Tinubu Orders Recruitment Of 1,000 Forest Guards

A high-powered Federal Government delegation on Sunday visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on 15 May 2026.