RismadarVoice Reporters, May 30, 2026
Residents of Yawata, Alausa and Esinele villages in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have deserted their communities following the abduction of more than 40 pupils and teachers by gunmen 16 days ago.
A visit to the affected communities on Friday revealed deserted streets, locked homes and a heavy security presence, with soldiers stationed at the Esinele school and strategic locations within the area.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Esinele village. During the incident, a teacher identified as Joel Adesiyan was killed, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly later killed in captivity.
Residents said the situation has created widespread fear and uncertainty, forcing many families to flee their homes.
Speaking with journalists, Gabriel Sunday, whose two children are among those abducted, appealed to the government to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“We have not felt the government. They are not doing enough. They should have mercy on us and help us to see our children again,” he said.
According to him, the trauma of the incident has left many parents devastated and struggling to cope.
Another parent, Ogune Tegba, said government officials had not returned to the communities after an initial visit by a representative of Governor Seyi Makinde.
“Only one person that Seyi Makinde sent came here. Since that time, we have not seen anyone aside from journalists,” he said.
Tegba also recounted how the attackers allegedly disguised themselves as security personnel before carrying out the operation.
“They dressed like soldiers. We were initially happy that soldiers had come to help us, not knowing they were not,” he said.
According to him, the gunmen arrived on motorcycles, abducted the victims and later stole additional motorcycles and a vehicle before setting the vehicle ablaze.
Residents expressed concern over reports and videos purportedly showing the abducted victims being held in forested areas under harsh conditions.
A resident, Iyiola Risikat, said many families had abandoned the communities and that some parents were now reluctant to send their children back to school.
“We no longer have peace of mind. Almost everybody has left,” she said.
“With what our eyes have seen, all of us cannot allow our children to go to school again.”
Another resident, identified simply as Yusuf, described the villages as nearly deserted and appealed for urgent government intervention.
“The government should help us. Nobody is in the village again. We plead with them to help us bring back our children,” he said.
A farmer, Sule Nasiru, blamed the incident on inadequate security infrastructure, noting that there was no permanent security post in the area.
“The problem is that there is no security post around here. When these people strike, nobody will be here. They would have gone before security personnel came,” he said.
Also speaking, a cleric, Adebayo Micheal, called on authorities to rescue the abducted victims and improve security around communities located near forest reserves.
“A lot of people have run away while some have travelled for festivities. They should help us rescue these children and teachers,” he said.
