A one-minute video released by kidnappers has shown abducted teachers and pupils from Oyo State making emotional appeals for their release, urging authorities to meet the demands of their captors.
In the footage, two female teachers appeared visibly distressed, with one speaking in Yoruba and the other in English while holding a toddler estimated to be about two years old. The victims looked exhausted and frightened as they pleaded for urgent intervention.
The abductees were among 46 people kidnapped during an attack on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The attackers reportedly abducted 39 pupils and students alongside seven teachers.
In the video, the first teacher begged in Yoruba for mercy, calling on authorities to meet the kidnappers’ demands.
“We beg you in the name of God, please have mercy on us… we have been in captivity for 13 days. We are suffering in the rain and sun with children and adults. Please do not fight them, just give them whatever they ask so we can be released,” she said.
The second teacher, speaking in English under apparent coercion, made a direct appeal to the governor, urging negotiation.
“We are pleading with our governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, please help us and negotiate with them. Whatever they want, please give it to them so we can be saved. The teachers and children are all here. Please save our lives,” she said.
Governor Seyi Makinde has yet to make further public comments on the latest video, but state officials have repeatedly assured that rescue operations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount within the state as teachers and civil society organisations intensify calls for urgent action.
The Oyo State Teachers Action Group, supported by the Nigeria Teachers Congress, staged a peaceful protest demanding swift government intervention to secure the release of the victims.
Speaking during the protest, NTC President Reverend Bunmi Thomas said the union joined the demonstration in solidarity with the victims, stressing that while authorities may already be working on rescue efforts, more urgency is needed.
He also expressed concern over the presence of very young children among the abductees, warning that prolonged captivity in harsh conditions could endanger their lives.
Responding to the protest, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Compol Sunday Odukoya (rtd), assured residents that the government is actively working on the safe rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils, adding that operational details cannot be disclosed to avoid compromising efforts.
Authorities maintain that security agencies are intensifying efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
