Crime
Full list of 46 abducted pupils, teachers released as panic deepens in Oyo communities
The identities of 46 persons abducted during a coordinated attack on two schools in Oyo State have been released, revealing that the victims include seven teachers and 39 pupils aged between two and 16 years.
The victims were taken during the assault on Community High School Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident has triggered widespread fear across Ahoro-Esinele, Yawota, Oniya, Alawusa and neighbouring communities, with anxious parents demanding urgent security intervention.
Four Motorcycles Reportedly Snatched
Residents disclosed that four motorcycles were allegedly snatched during the operation — three from villagers in Yawota community and one from the premises of Community High School. The attackers reportedly used the motorcycles to facilitate their escape.
Community sources described the attack as swift and well-coordinated, raising fresh concerns about the safety of rural schools and the vulnerability of pupils and staff in remote areas.
Seven Teachers Among the Abducted
The following teachers were confirmed missing:
Mrs Alamu Folawe – Principal, Community High School
Mr Ojo Jonathan – Vice Principal
Mr Olatunde Zacchaeus – Teacher
Mr John Olaleye – Teacher
Mr Michael Oyedokun – Teacher
Mrs Oladeji – Teacher
Mary Akanbi – Teacher, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School
Their abduction has effectively paralysed academic activities in the affected schools, with classes suspended indefinitely.
39 Pupils Abducted, Ages 2 to 16
A breakdown of the abducted pupils shows they were taken from different communities within Oriire Local Government Area.
Ahoro-Esinele Community
READ ALSO: Panic in Oyo community as residents flee after school abductions, fear fresh bandit attack (Video)
Rashida Tajudeen (11)
Ahmed Ramoni (8)
Abdulsalam Toyib (4)
Baraka Abioye (16)
Fatimo Jimoh (15)
Hassan Azeez (14)
Joshua Adeleke (13)
Yawota Community
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 Olohunnoluwa (7)
Damilare Oderinde (8)
Deborah Adebowale (5)
Aisha Oguntowo (10)
Lege Taiwo (12)
Balkis Ayanwale (8)
Asa David (10)
Oniya Community
Shuaibu Aliyu (10)
Ahmed Aliyu (7)
Muiz Aliyu (5)
Jomiloju Ogunlola (6)
Alawusa Community
Agune Noah (8)
Elizabeth Abadi (5)
Tosin Abadi (9)
Pius Stephen (5)
Hannah Ojo (14)
Habidat Ayanwale (7)
Mary Gabriel (6)
Jacob Gabriel
The revelation that several of the victims are toddlers and very young children has heightened outrage and deepened anxiety among residents.
Communities Demand Action
Community leaders say the scale of the abduction indicates prior reconnaissance and possible knowledge of school routines. Parents have criticised what they described as inadequate security coverage in rural schools, warning that continued attacks could discourage school attendance.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation regarding ransom demands or communication from the abductors. Security agencies are said to be conducting search-and-rescue operations across forests and rural corridors in and around Oriire Local Government Area.
Education stakeholders warn that repeated targeting of schools threatens public confidence in rural education and could worsen already fragile enrolment levels.
Meanwhile, families of the missing teachers and pupils continue to wait in anguish, praying for their safe return and urging authorities to intensify rescue efforts and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.