Parents and residents in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies for urgent intervention following the abduction of several schoolchildren by armed men in the area.
The incident reportedly occurred during coordinated attacks on Esiele and Yawota communities, where gunmen invaded schools and nearby areas, shooting sporadically before abducting pupils, teachers and residents.
Some affected mothers, who spoke in an emotional video circulating online, pleaded with authorities to rescue their children from captivity.
One of the women, identified as Mrs. Aduke Balogun, said the attackers stormed the community wearing military uniforms and began firing shots, forcing residents to flee.
According to her, the gunmen abducted several children, including her eight-year-old daughter, Kehinde Kaosara.
“We are begging the government to help us and bring our children back alive,” she said tearfully.
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Residents alleged that the attackers moved the abducted victims into a nearby forest reserve believed to be a hideout for criminal groups operating around the area.
The Chairman of Esiele community, Amusa Wakilu, disclosed that the attackers allegedly forced the principal of Community High School, Esiele, to use her Toyota Corolla car to transport the abducted pupils before setting the vehicle ablaze near the forest entrance.
A local farmer, Micheal Ojo, whose family members were also kidnapped during the attack, said the gunmen created panic by shooting indiscriminately as residents struggled to escape.
Reports further indicated that an assistant headmaster identified as Joel Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist were killed during the invasion, while several motorcycles belonging to residents were stolen.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, especially communities located close to forest reserves frequently linked to armed criminal activities.
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