Families Of Rescued Oyo Pupils Speak On Their Return To School

Parents and relatives of pupils rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have expressed reservations about allowing the children to return to the affected schools, citing persistent fears over their safety.

According to Ireporter Online, while the families expressed gratitude to God, the Federal Government, security agencies and everyone who contributed to the successful rescue operation, they maintained that the traumatic experience has left emotional and psychological wounds that cannot be ignored.

Several parents disclosed that they are considering transferring their children to different schools unless the government provides convincing assurances that the affected schools and surrounding communities are adequately secured against future attacks.

The pupils and their teachers were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, after armed men invaded Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele, near Ogbomoso. During the attack, the assailants abducted 39 pupils alongside seven teachers, including a school principal.

Reports indicate that the victims were held in forests around the Old Oyo National Park for 56 days before security operatives successfully rescued the survivors. Two teachers lost their lives during the incident, while the remaining captives regained their freedom after the operation.

Despite the successful rescue, many families admitted that the ordeal has significantly altered their confidence in the safety of the schools. They explained that after enduring weeks of uncertainty and fearing they might never see their loved ones again, returning the children to the same learning environment remains a difficult decision.

One of the relatives, Fausat Akindele, said parents need clear evidence that adequate security measures have been put in place before they can confidently allow their children to resume classes. She noted that although the children had returned safely, the fear generated by the incident still persists among families.

Another relative, Basirat Adigun, also acknowledged the efforts that led to the victims’ rescue but stressed that appreciation alone cannot erase concerns about a possible repeat of the tragedy. She urged authorities to strengthen security around schools and neighbouring communities to restore public confidence.

The families appealed for increased security patrols, enhanced surveillance systems and stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies to prevent future attacks.

Speaking further, a relative identified as Adenike, whose sister’s children were among the victims, emphasised that the emotional healing of the rescued children should take precedence over an immediate return to school. She stated that while education remains essential, the children’s psychological recovery and their parents’ confidence in their safety must be fully restored before any decision on resumption is taken.

The families also appealed to the government to provide counselling services and long-term psychosocial support for the rescued pupils, teachers and their relatives. They further called for a comprehensive security strategy for schools in vulnerable communities to ensure that such incidents do not occur again before academic activities fully resume.