The Federal Government has intensified efforts to secure the release of 39 children and seven teachers abducted during a deadly attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims, aged between two and 16 years, were kidnapped by heavily armed gunmen who stormed the schools on May 15, 2026. The attack turned tragic after one of the teachers was reportedly killed and beheaded by the assailants, sending shockwaves across the state and beyond.

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Heartbreaking images and videos that emerged from captivity have revealed the harsh conditions endured by the abductees. The children and their teachers were seen exposed to rain, scorching sunlight, and swarms of insects while being held in a remote location.

In one emotional video, the principal of the affected school, Mrs. Rachael Alamu Folawe, appealed to authorities to prioritize dialogue and negotiations rather than military action, warning that an aggressive rescue attempt could endanger the lives of the captives.

Responding to growing public outrage, President Bola Tinubu on May 31 approved a series of emergency security measures aimed at securing the safe return of the victims. The President deployed a federal intervention team to Oyo State, authorized the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards, and launched a specialized rescue unit focused on intelligence gathering and non-combat rescue operations.

The abduction has sparked widespread protests in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with residents demanding immediate government action. Teachers have also embarked on strike actions to draw attention to the worsening insecurity affecting schools in the region.

Families of the abducted children and teachers continue to wait anxiously for positive news, holding onto hope that ongoing rescue efforts will lead to their safe return. Meanwhile, security agencies have assured the public that operations are underway to locate the captives and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.