Abducted Oyo teachers cry for mercy in new video released by their kidnappers

•Groups demand their urgent rescue

By Adeola Badru

A one‑minute video released yesterday by the abductors shows the Oyo teachers and pupils who were taken captive making a heartfelt appeal to authorities. The group demands that the kidnappers’ requests be met in order to secure their release.

In the clip, two female teachers speak to the camera. One speaks in Yoruba while the other, holding a two‑year‑old boy, speaks in English. All appear traumatized and terrified as they beg the government to do everything possible to ensure their freedom.

They were among the 46 people kidnapped when the terrorists attacked Community High School, Ahoro‑Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026. The attack resulted in the abduction of 39 pupils and students and seven teachers.

The first female teacher, speaking in Yoruba, says: “The authorities, we beg you in the name of God, please have mercy on us. This suffering is too much for us, we are in the rain, in the sun, including the young and the old. Today is the thirteenth day we have been in captivity. Please we don’t want you to fight these people at all. Let them set us free, whatever they ask of you, give it to them, please.”

The second female teacher, apparently speaking under the instruction of their abductors who are hidden from the camera, says: “We are pleading with our governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, please help us, negotiate with these people. Whatever they want, please give to them, please help us, save our lives. All of us are here, the teachers and the children, we need your help.”

Meanwhile, teachers and civil society groups in Oyo State have called on the government to take decisive and immediate action to secure the release of the teachers and pupils abducted in Ogbomosho. They warn that the safety of educators and schoolchildren across the state can no longer be taken lightly.

The demand was made during a peaceful protest staged by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, which received the backing of the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), a non‑governmental organisation.

Addressing protesters, the National President of the NTC, Reverend Bunmi Thomas, said the organisation joined the demonstration in solidarity with affected teachers and pupils, stressing that the protest was lawful and driven by genuine concern for the victims.

“When we heard about the proposed protest by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, we were satisfied and decided to join them because what they are doing is lawful,” Thomas said. “They are demanding pragmatic action from the government to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students.”

Thomas acknowledged reports that efforts were already underway to rescue the victims but insisted that the government must intensify its response. “If the government is trying and the desired result has not been achieved, then more efforts must be intensified. We want the government to do more to rescue the teachers and pupils,” he added.

He expressed deep concern over the condition of the victims, particularly the children reportedly being held in harsh conditions. “We have children as young as two and three years old in the bush. They are exposed to rain and harsh weather conditions. These victims are in danger, and nobody knows who could be next,” he lamented.

The union leader further urged the state government to deploy security personnel to public schools across Oyo State, arguing that teachers should not be forced to work under constant fear and insecurity.

Responding to the protest, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, Compol Sunday Odukoya (rtd), assured demonstrators that the state government was actively pursuing the safe rescue of the victims.

“It is your constitutional right to protest and let the government know your concerns. This incident is unfortunate, but I want to assure you that the government is not folding its arms over the matter,” he said.

Odukoya explained that certain operational details could not be made public in order not to compromise ongoing rescue efforts.

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