Forty-six victims, comprising 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers, remain in captivity 45 days after a deadly attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed gunmen reportedly linked to the extremist group Ansaru stormed the schools, abducting pupils and teachers. During the attack, one person was reportedly killed, while dozens of others were forced into the nearby Old Oyo National Park, where the assailants are believed to be holding their captives.
Since the incident, Nigerian security agencies have launched sustained search-and-rescue operations involving ground troops, intelligence personnel, and aerial surveillance in an effort to locate and safely recover the victims. Despite these efforts, no successful rescue had been officially announced as of the latest reports.
Seyi Makinde has reiterated the state government’s commitment to working closely with federal security agencies to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. The governor has maintained that authorities are pursuing coordinated security operations rather than negotiating ransom payments.
The prolonged captivity has sparked growing concern among parents, education stakeholders, and civil society groups. Teachers have staged industrial actions and protests, calling for intensified efforts to rescue the victims and improve security around schools across the state.
The incident has also been accompanied by the circulation of conflicting and unverified information on social media, prompting authorities to urge the public to rely on official updates and avoid spreading misinformation that could hamper rescue operations or cause additional distress to affected families.
The abduction underscores the continuing security challenges facing educational institutions in parts of Nigeria and has renewed calls for stronger measures to protect schools, students, and teachers from attacks by armed groups.
Security agencies say operations to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible remain ongoing, while the families of the abducted children and teachers continue to hope for their safe return.
