The Baale of Yawota in Oyo State, Emmanuel Alade, has provided a detailed and chilling account of the recent attack on his community that resulted in the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers. In a video shared on X by News Central TV on Monday, June 1, the traditional ruler narrated how the incident unfolded suddenly.
Baale's Account of the Invasion
Speaking in Yoruba, Alade said, "On the day the incident happened, I was sitting here. I saw them pass by, but I did not know who was passing. Shortly after, gunshots were heard, and they said bandits had entered. People ran away." He added that a resident who went to check what was happening was killed during the attack. The armed men then proceeded to abduct students, including young children, while firing sporadically.
"The person who went to check was killed. That was how the students, including small children, were taken away," he recounted.
Community Response and Rejection of Relief Materials
After the incident, residents reported the matter to the police, and security personnel later arrived to gather information from witnesses. The Baale revealed that government officials visited the community with relief materials such as rice and cash, but the parents of the abducted children rejected these items. They demanded that the government focus on securing the safe return of their children.
"When government officials came, they brought rice and money, but the parents rejected it. The female representatives from Governor Seyi Makinde's government also came, but the items were rejected. They only requested that the government aid their release," Alade stated.
Related Developments
In a related incident, three suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with security operatives in the Otu area of Oyo State, and a kidnapped victim was rescued. The operation followed an attack on local hunters, prompting a joint response by police and security teams. The rescued victim sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment, while one local hunter was also injured.
Meanwhile, the abducted principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, Alamu Folawe, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to negotiate with kidnappers for the release of captives. In an emotional video from captivity, the principal said victims, including pupils and teachers, had spent 13 days in harsh bush conditions.
