Outrage In Southwest As Afenifere Reacts To Oyo School Abduction Incident

The group said the incident, which reportedly led to the abduction of pupils and school personnel, had heightened concerns about the growing spread of violent crimes across Yorubaland.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere disclosed that its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, was deeply troubled by the development, especially as it occurred during the same week he celebrated his 100th birthday.

Ajayi said Fasoranti was saddened by the attack and sympathised with the victims, their families, and those injured during the incident.

Reports indicated that armed men stormed three schools in Oriire LGA on Friday, May 15, 2026. The affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.

Community sources claimed that no fewer than 45 pupils were abducted during the attacks, sparking fear and tension among residents and parents in Oyo State.

The incident also attracted international attention, with reports describing the school abduction as unusual for the South-West, where such attacks have been less common compared to northern Nigeria. Police authorities confirmed that three suspects had been arrested while investigations continued to determine the exact number of victims.

The attack came around the same period as another school abduction in Borno State, further intensifying concerns over the safety of schools nationwide. Reports by the Associated Press stated that more than 80 children were missing following attacks in both Oyo and Borno states.

Afenifere Criticises South-West Governors

Afenifere said the recent wave of kidnappings and attacks in the South-West and parts of Kwara State suggested that terrorists and criminal gangs were becoming increasingly emboldened.

According to the group, the incidents reinforced fears that criminal elements were attempting to expand their operations into the South-West and possibly other southern states.

Ajayi criticised the response of governors in the region, arguing that their actions did not reflect the seriousness of the security threat confronting the area.

He questioned the effectiveness of previously announced security initiatives, including resolutions reached by South-West governors, surveillance infrastructure reportedly installed in Ogun State, security aircraft acquired by the Oyo State Government, and security measures introduced in Ondo State.

Afenifere stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and urged South-West governors to demonstrate stronger commitment to safeguarding residents.

The group called on the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states to prioritise security and ensure that terrorists and kidnappers are not allowed to operate anywhere in Yorubaland.

“Every necessary step must be taken to ensure that terrorists do not have a place, not to talk of a foothold, in Yorubaland,” the group stated.

Despite its criticism, Afenifere commended the swift response of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, who visited affected communities in Oriire following the attack.

The organisation also welcomed the launch of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit, expressing hope that it would strengthen efforts against kidnapping, banditry, and violent crimes.

Afenifere maintained that both the Federal Government and state governors must move beyond rhetoric and adopt practical, coordinated measures to secure schools, highways, and rural communities from armed criminals.