Panic and grief have spread across parts of Oyo State following coordinated attacks by armed men on several schools near Ogbomoso, resulting in the abduction of pupils, students, and staff members.
The attacks reportedly occurred on May 15 when gunmen riding motorcycles stormed three schools in the area, firing sporadically and forcing victims into nearby forest routes. Among those reportedly abducted was Principal Mrs. Alamu, alongside teachers, school workers, and numerous students.
Local sources said at least one teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were killed during the assault, while several others sustained injuries as communities struggled to respond to the sudden attacks.
Disturbing videos circulating online showed frightened captives pleading for assistance from the government and the public. In the footage, some victims appeared visibly distressed as they appealed for urgent intervention and rescue efforts.
Although official figures remain unclear, unconfirmed reports suggest that as many as 45 children may have been taken by the attackers, raising fears of one of the largest school-related kidnappings in the region in recent years.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, the military, and local security outfits, have since launched a large-scale manhunt targeting suspected hideouts around the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding forest corridors believed to be used by criminal groups.
Governor Seyi Makinde reacted to the incident by ordering the temporary closure of schools in the affected areas to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of students and staff.
The governor also acknowledged what he described as an “intelligence gap” in the security architecture, promising stronger collaboration among security agencies to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims.
“We will not relent until those abducted are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice,” Makinde reportedly stated while addressing concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the state.
The incident has renewed national anxiety over school security and the increasing spread of kidnapping networks into communities previously considered relatively safe. In recent years, armed groups have repeatedly targeted schools across northern and central Nigeria, abducting students for ransom and triggering widespread fear among parents and educators.
Security experts warn that attacks on educational institutions not only endanger lives but also deepen Nigeria’s already severe education crisis by discouraging school attendance and disrupting learning activities.
Parents and residents in the affected communities have called for stronger security presence, surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms to protect schools from future attacks. Many expressed frustration over the continued vulnerability of rural communities despite repeated government assurances.
As search operations continue, families of the abducted victims remain anxiously hopeful for safe returns while the nation watches closely for updates on one of the latest security crises confronting the country.
