Anxiety and uncertainty continue to grip families in Oyo State as dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen nearly a month ago remain in captivity.
The victims, comprising 46 children aged between two and 16 years, as well as members of staff, were kidnapped on May 15 during coordinated attacks on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities located near the Old Oyo National Park.
For relatives of the abductees, the passage of time has deepened fears over the fate of their loved ones.
Among those affected are sisters, Deborah Oyedele and Abosede Ojedele, whose children were among those taken by the attackers.
The women have continued to await news of the victims’ release while struggling to cope with the emotional toll of the incident.
Speaking on the situation, Ojedele said her three-year-old daughter had repeatedly asked after her missing brothers and cousin, unaware of the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
The abduction has triggered widespread concern across the state, leading to protests and a strike action by teachers, while prominent Nigerians have also lent their voices to calls for the victims’ rescue.
According to reports, the attackers stormed the communities on motorcycles and were dressed in military-style uniforms.
Security authorities have linked the incident to insurgent elements operating in the region.
The attacks have also heightened concerns over security in parts of the South-West, a region previously regarded as relatively safer than many parts of the country facing persistent security challenges.
The incident has had a profound impact on residents of the affected communities, with many families questioning whether it is safe for children to return to school once the victims are rescued.
Ojedele said she was no longer willing to allow her children attend school in the community, citing fears of another attack.
Similarly, Funmilayo Ojo expressed regret over encouraging her daughter-in-law, Mary Akanbi, to relocate to Yawota for a teaching appointment.
Akanbi and her two-year-old child were among those abducted during the raid on a local primary school.
Security concerns have intensified around the Old Oyo forest reserve, a vast area stretching across Oyo and Kwara states.
Experts have long warned that criminal groups exploit the remoteness of such locations to evade security operations.
Although security personnel have since been deployed to the affected communities, residents say the attacks exposed longstanding vulnerabilities, including the absence of a permanent security presence before the incident.
Community leaders also alleged that communication challenges in the area may have aided the attackers’ operations.
A local hunter involved in search efforts disclosed that a joint rescue team comprising soldiers, operatives of the Amotekun Corps and hunters engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle shortly after the abduction.
He added that one person was killed and several others injured during the operation.
Meanwhile, the police have assured families that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of the abductees.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Fayoade Adegoke, who met with relatives of the victims, said security agencies were working tirelessly to ensure the children and teachers regain their freedom.
The abduction has also prompted renewed calls for stronger security measures in schools, particularly those located in remote and vulnerable communities.
The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has maintained its strike action, insisting that adequate safety measures must be put in place before teachers return to classrooms.
The union’s leadership said discussions were ongoing with relevant authorities on measures such as improved security infrastructure and perimeter fencing for schools.
Teachers in the state have expressed concerns over their safety, warning that failure to address the situation could discourage school attendance and disrupt education in affected communities.