The senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Abdulfatai Buhari, has revealed how gunmen who abducted dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State allegedly ferried their victims deep into the forest, with several children reportedly tied together on single motorcycles during the operation.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Buhari described the abduction as a traumatic experience for both the victims and their families, saying the kidnappers carried out the operation in a brazen manner while armed with sophisticated weapons.
According to the lawmaker, the attackers moved groups of children on motorcycles, with armed men escorting them into the forest and allegedly recording videos during the operation.
He said the victims, comprising pupils, teachers and a toddler, were abducted on May 15 from schools located in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities within Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The senator disclosed that 49 people were taken during the raid and have remained in captivity since then.
The situation worsened after reports emerged that one of the abducted victims, identified as Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, was killed while in captivity.
The remaining hostages, including young children, are reportedly still being held under difficult conditions.
The incident has triggered widespread concern across the country, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers commencing an indefinite strike to press for the immediate rescue of the victims.
Buhari said security agencies had intensified efforts to locate the kidnappers, noting that military and police surveillance helicopters had been deployed to monitor forest areas where the hostages are believed to be held.
He explained that rescue operations require extreme caution because of the large number of children among the captives.
The lawmaker warned against suggestions that security operatives deploy incapacitating substances against the kidnappers, arguing that such measures could endanger the lives of very young children in captivity.
According to him, parents are primarily concerned about the safe return of their children and relatives, making it necessary for security agencies to adopt carefully planned strategies during rescue efforts.
Despite the challenges, Buhari expressed optimism that security operatives would secure the release of the victims.
He also maintained that the Oyo school abduction differs from previous mass kidnappings, including the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, stressing that the incident has left families and residents of the affected communities devastated.
The senator called for continued public support for security agencies as efforts continue to rescue the remaining hostages and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.