A wave of terror swept through Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday as suspected terrorists launched coordinated attacks on several communities, abducting 46 individuals. Among the kidnapped is a two-year-old pupil, Christianah Akanbi, from Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. Community leaders have confirmed that seven teachers and 39 pupils and students from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School were taken. The attackers also seized four motorcycles belonging to residents—three from Yawota and one from the secondary school area.
The names of the abducted school officials have been released: Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; Vice Principal Mr. Ojo Jonathan; and teachers Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus, Mr. John Olaleye, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, and Mrs. Oladeji. A teacher from Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Mary Akanbi, was also reported missing.
From Ahoro-Esinele community, the victims include Rashida Tajudeen (11), Ahmed Ramoni (8), Abdulsalam Toyib (4), Baraka Abioye (16), Fatimo Jimoh (15), Hassan Azeez (14), and Joshua Adeleke (13). In Yawota community, those abducted are Samuel Oyedele (7), Emmanuel Oyedele (4), Idowu Taiwo (4), Christianah Akanbi (2), Juwon Sunday (7), Sikiru Salami (3), Soliu Salami (4), Ojo Joseph (8), Lydia Adewole (8), Testimony Jacob (5), Kehinde Kaosara (7), Sewa Seyi (7), Waliya Bello (4), Lydia Olohunloluwa (7), Damilare Oderinde (8), Deborah Adebowale (5), Aisha Oguntowo (10), Lege Taiwo (12), Balkis Ayanwale (8), and Asa David (10).
Oniya community residents abducted are Shuaibu Aliyu (10), Ahmed Aliyu (7), Muiz Aliyu (5), and Jomiloju Ogunlola (6). From Alawusa community, the victims are Agune Noah (8), Elizabeth Abadi (5), Tosin Abadi (9), Pius Stephen (5), Hannah Ojo (14), Habidat Ayanwale (7), Mary Gabriel (6), and Jacob Gabriel (age unknown).
The attacks have plunged the area into fear and uncertainty, with residents urging security forces and the government to act swiftly to rescue the victims and restore peace.