In a heart-wrenching video that has gone viral on social media, an abducted school principal and a staff member from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have appealed for urgent help. The victims were taken captive during a brazen attack on multiple schools in the Ahoro-Esinele community on Friday.
Attack on Schools
Gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School in Ogbomoso, all within the same local government area. The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that a teacher and a commercial motorcycle rider were killed during the assault. At least 45 schoolchildren, along with the principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, and several staff members, were reportedly kidnapped.
Principal's Emotional Appeal
In the video circulating on Sunday, the principal, Mrs. Alamu, described the harrowing ordeal. “On Friday at around 9:30, we were attacked by a certain group of people. A good number of us were abducted, the staff and the students as well,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. She called on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and all well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure their release. “We have been here since Friday. I am making this video to ask for help from everyone. They should come to our help and settle this thing peacefully so that our lives will not be lost,” she pleaded.
Staff Member's Plea
Another victim, identified as Temitope, who was seen in the video carrying a baby, also made an urgent appeal. “I’m from Ibadan. I’m working at First Baptist Church in Ogbomosho. Yesterday, the people came to our school and we have kidnapped both the teachers and the children,” she said. She implored the federal and state governments, as well as the First Baptist Church and the community, to act swiftly. “We need your help so that these people will release us. Please help us.” Temitope lamented the dire condition of the abducted children, noting that they had been crying incessantly in captivity. “The children are here, they are crying so that we will not waste our lives. Please help us all. We need your help. Help us all. Don’t neglect us all,” she added.
The video has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many Nigerians calling for immediate action to rescue the victims. As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and security operatives are said to be working to locate the victims.
