Oyo School Abduction: Mother recounts horror of watching gunmen take her son

A mother whose child was among dozens of pupils and teachers abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oyo State has recounted the traumatic experience of watching armed men lead her son and other victims into the forest.

The emotional account comes as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue those kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking to reporters, Comfort Alao said she was near one of the affected schools when armed men stormed the area and began rounding up pupils and teachers.

According to her, what started as a normal school day quickly turned into chaos as gunmen arrived and took control of the school premises.

“I heard shouting and saw people running for safety. The gunmen gathered the children and teachers together. My son was among them,” she said. “I wanted to help, but I was afraid. They were armed, and I feared that any attempt to intervene could put more lives at risk.”

Alao said she watched helplessly as the attackers led the victims away from the school and into a nearby forest.

The abduction has left families devastated and heightened concerns about the safety of schools in the area. Several schools affected by the incident have since suspended academic activities, while many parents remain anxious about the fate of their children.

The attack reportedly involved multiple schools within the Oriire axis, with dozens of pupils, students and teachers taken by the gunmen.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Oyo State, with community leaders, civil society groups and residents calling for urgent action to secure the release of the victims and strengthen security around educational institutions.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue the abductees. Governor Seyi Makinde recently disclosed that security agencies, including the military, police and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, have intensified search operations in affected areas.

Authorities have also confirmed the arrest of several suspects believed to be linked to the attack, while investigations continue.

As security operatives comb forests and remote communities in search of the abductees, families of the victims continue to appeal for their safe return.

For Comfort Alao and many other parents, the wait remains agonizing.

“My prayer is that my son and the other children come back home safely,” she said. “That is all we want.”