10 Days of Terror: 32 Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers Still Missing After Deadly Kidnap as One Teacher Is Beheaded

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Fear and outrage continue to spread across Oyo State as 32 schoolchildren and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso remain missing 10 days after the incident.

The mass abduction occurred on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, whisking away pupils and teachers in a terrifying raid that has left families devastated and the state on edge.

Among those kidnapped were seven secondary school students, 18 primary school pupils — including toddlers — and seven teachers.

The tragedy took an even darker turn after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers. Graphic footage allegedly showing the killing, alongside disturbing images of traumatized and whipped children, has circulated widely online, triggering nationwide anger and grief.

The horrifying development has intensified pressure on authorities as anxious families continue to wait for news about the remaining captives.

Following the attacks, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde ordered the immediate closure of schools across the state and announced the establishment of a rescue coordination center.

Security operatives, supported by aerial surveillance teams, were deployed to track down the abductors and secure the release of the victims. Governor Makinde also stated that the government was willing to listen to ransom demands but insisted authorities would not bow to criminal intimidation.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the abduction and directed security agencies to intensify rescue efforts. However, with more than 10 days passing without any confirmed rescue or release, frustration has continued to grow among residents and concerned Nigerians.

Parents, community members, and civil society groups have staged protests demanding urgent intervention, especially as Nigeria prepares to mark Children’s Day celebrations under the shadow of the tragedy.

Relatives of the murdered teacher, Michael Oyedokun, have made an emotional appeal to President Tinubu, urging him to personally intervene in efforts to recover the remains of their loved one and assist the grieving family.

The prolonged captivity of the victims — many of them very young children — has sparked renewed concerns over worsening insecurity and the vulnerability of schools in parts of the country.

Residents say the silence surrounding the fate of the abducted pupils and teachers has deepened fears that the crisis may drag on even longer unless stronger action is taken.

Families continue to wait anxiously for any sign of progress as security agencies maintain rescue operations in the area.