Oyo Abduction: Grandmother Cries Out as Four Grandchildren, Daughter-in-Law Remain in Captivity

An elderly woman broke down in tears on Saturday as she appealed for urgent government intervention in the ongoing abduction crisis in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, revealing that four of her grandchildren and her daughter-in-law are still being held by suspected terrorists.

The emotional appeal came during Governor Seyi Makinde’s visit to Esiele community, one of the affected areas where more than 40 schoolchildren and staff were abducted on May 15.

Speaking before community members and officials, the distraught grandmother pleaded on her knees, describing the anguish her family has endured since the incident.

“Please help us. We are all parents here,” she said amid tears. “I have four grandchildren in nursery school, and my daughter-in-law, who is a teacher, is currently being held captive by those kidnappers.”

Her emotional outburst captured the pain of several families still waiting for news of their loved ones, nearly 17 days after the abduction.

Also speaking at the meeting, Mr. Alamu, husband of the abducted school principal, Rachael Alamu, recounted the distress of seeing his wife featured in a video released by the captors.

“My wife is the woman the terrorists recorded to speak to Nigerians. Seeing a video of her in a terrorist den is depressing and disheartening,” he said, visibly shaken.

Governor Makinde, while addressing the families, assured them that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted victims, urging calm and cooperation with authorities.

“All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because of security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release,” the governor said.

The abductees have now spent about 17 days in captivity, heightening anxiety across the state and beyond.

Meanwhile, reports confirmed that one of the victims, Michael Oyedokun, was killed in captivity last week, further deepening grief among families and residents of the affected communities.

Authorities say rescue operations are still ongoing as pressure mounts for the safe return of the remaining victims.