IBADAN, Nigeria — Fear and outrage have spread across Oyo State following the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has intensified concerns over the growing spread of mass kidnappings into Nigeria’s South-West region.

The attacks, which occurred on Friday, May 15, targeted multiple schools near Ogbomoso, where heavily armed gunmen reportedly stormed classrooms during school hours and abducted students, teachers, and school officials before fleeing into nearby forest areas.

The crisis escalated further days later after reports emerged confirming the killing of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, sparking protests and renewed calls for stronger security measures across vulnerable rural communities.

Coordinated Attacks on Schools

Community leaders and local authorities said the attackers invaded schools in Ahoro-Esinele, Yawota, and surrounding communities, creating panic among pupils and residents.

Among those abducted were dozens of students, teachers, and school administrators, including a school principal. Reports also indicated that very young children were among the victims taken into captivity.

The gunmen reportedly escaped through forest corridors linked to the Old Oyo National Park, an expansive area connecting parts of Oyo, Kwara, and Niger states that security analysts say has increasingly become a hideout for armed criminal groups.

Protests Erupt After Teacher’s Killing

Tension rose sharply after confirmation of the death of Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was among those kidnapped during the attacks.

The development triggered protests in Ogbomoso and nearby communities, where members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), youths, and residents demanded urgent government intervention and the safe return of the remaining hostages.

Demonstrators called for stronger military presence in remote communities and improved protection for schools located in isolated rural areas.

Government and Security Response

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric, and directed security agencies to intensify rescue operations for the remaining captives.

The president also renewed calls for the creation of state police, arguing that localised security structures are necessary to respond more effectively to insecurity in underserved regions.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde convened an emergency security meeting with service commanders and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims.

Makinde stated that the government would not surrender to intimidation by criminal groups and revealed plans to strengthen aerial surveillance across vulnerable border corridors linking Oyo to neighbouring states.

Growing Concern Over Southward Spread of Insecurity

The attacks have heightened fears over the geographic expansion of mass kidnappings, which had previously been more associated with parts of northern Nigeria.

Security experts warn that the movement of armed groups into forest regions across the South-West presents a growing threat to rural communities, schools, and interstate transport routes.

As rescue operations continue, families of the abducted victims have appealed for caution in public discussions surrounding security efforts, warning that sensitive information could jeopardise ongoing operations and endanger those still in captivity.