A woman identified as Mrs. Alamu, who introduced herself as the principal of Community High School, Esinele, has cried out for help after she and several staff members and students were reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen in Oyo State.
In a viral video circulating on social media on Sunday, the principal said the incident occurred on Friday around 9:30 a.m. in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
According to her, armed men attacked the school and abducted several teachers and students.
“On Friday at around 9:30, we were attacked by a certain group of people. A good number of us were abducted, the staff and the students as well,” she said in the emotional appeal.
The woman called on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Christian Association of Nigeria and other well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure their release.
“We have been here since Friday. I am making this video to ask for help from everyone. They should come to our help and settle this thing peacefully so that our lives will not be lost,” she added.
Another victim identified as Temitope, who was seen in the video carrying a baby, also appealed for urgent intervention.
“Hi, I’m from Ibadan. I’m working at First Baptist Church in Ogbomosho. Yesterday, the people came to our school and we have kidnapped both the teachers and the children” she said.
“We are all here, we need help from the federal government and the state government, both the church, First Baptist Church and the community. We need your help so that these people will release us. Please help us.
She further lamented the condition of the abducted children, saying they had been crying in captivity.
“The children are here, they are crying so that we will not waste our lives. Please help us all. We need your help. Help us all. Don’t neglect us all.
The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the command was aware of the viral video.
“I have seen the video, we are working on it,” he said.
The incident comes days after reports emerged that armed men invaded a secondary school in the Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted the principal alongside several students.
The disturbing development has triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over worsening insecurity and calling for the immediate rescue of the victims.
