The principal of Community High School, Esinele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Alamu, has appealed for urgent intervention after she, alongside teachers and students, was reportedly abducted by gunmen during an attack on the school.
In an emotional video that surfaced online on Sunday, the principal said the abduction occurred on Friday at about 9:30 a.m. when armed men stormed the school and whisked away staff and pupils.
Recounting the incident, Mrs. Alamu said the victims had remained in captivity since the attack and called on government authorities, religious bodies, and Nigerians to help secure their freedom.
“On Friday at around 9:30, we were attacked by a group of people. A good number of us were abducted, including staff and students,” she said.
She appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, and religious organizations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, to intervene.
“We have been here since Friday. I am making this video to ask for help from everyone. They should come to our aid and settle this thing peacefully so that our lives will not be lost,” the visibly distressed principal pleaded.
Another victim, identified as Temitope, who appeared in the video carrying a baby, also appealed for urgent rescue, saying the abductees included teachers and children connected to a Baptist school.
“I’m from Ibadan, and I work at First Baptist Church in Ogbomosho. The people came to our school and kidnapped both teachers and children,” she said.
She urged the government, church authorities, and members of the community to act swiftly.
“We are all here and we need help from the Federal Government, the state government, the church, and the community. Please help us so these people can release us,” she added.
Expressing concern over the condition of the children in captivity, Temitope said many of them had been crying and were in distress.
“The children are here crying. Please help us so that our lives will not be wasted. Don’t neglect us,” she said.
Although the authenticity of the viral video could not be independently verified as of press time, the Oyo State Police Command said it was aware of the footage and ongoing efforts were being made.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed knowledge of the video.
“I have seen the video, and we are working on it,” he said.
The incident followed reports that armed men invaded a secondary school in the Ahoro-Esinele community of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting the principal and several students.
