Oyo School Abduction: Widow who saw her child taken breaks silence weeks after attack

By Tolulope Oke

A mother of one of the pupils abducted during the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has cried out to the government to rescue her child and other victims still in captivity.

The woman, who spoke in tears, said she watched from hiding as the armed men rounded up her child alongside other pupils before taking them away.

She said she had prepared her child for school on the day of the attack and was at home cooking when the gunmen stormed the community and began shooting.

According to her, she quickly hid for safety but could still see what was happening from where she was.

“I bathed my child and sent her to school. I was in the kitchen cooking so she would have something to eat when she returned when I suddenly saw bandits entering our town and they started shooting,” she said.

“I hid myself, and from where I was hiding, I saw them gathering my child together with other children.”

The distraught mother said the incident had left her traumatised, adding that she has been living in fear since her child was taken away.

She also disclosed that she is a widow and has been struggling to take care of her children through petty trading after the death of her husband.

“My husband is late, and I am the one taking care of my children through my business,” she said.

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies and government authorities, she appealed for more urgent action to bring the abducted children and teachers back alive.

“The government is trying, but they should please help us bring our child back alive,” she pleaded.

The attack occurred in Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men abducted 46 pupils and teachers.

Families of the victims have continued to express fear and frustration as they await the safe return of their loved ones.

Residents and relatives of the abductees have also urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the victims regain their freedom.