19.05.2026 08:00
In Nigeria's Oyo State, unidentified individuals attacked schools, kidnapping 25 students and 7 teachers, while one teacher lost their life. Governor Makinde stated that rescue operations are ongoing.
In the Oyo state in southwestern Nigeria, 25 students and 7 teachers were kidnapped in attacks on schools. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, in a statement to journalists, said that unidentified individuals carried out attacks on schools in the Oriire area of the state.
IT WAS REPORTED THAT ONE OF THE KIDNAPPED TEACHERS LOST THEIR LIFE
Makinde noted that 25 students and 7 teachers were kidnapped in the attacks, and stated that one of the kidnapped teachers lost their life. Makinde, saying that efforts have been initiated to find the kidnapped individuals, said, "The state government will never succumb to terrorism, all efforts are being intensified to ensure the victims return home safely."
Makinde described the situation as "fluid and challenging," and stated that security forces are still conducting rescue operations in the area.
KIDNAPPINGS FOR RANSOM ARE FREQUENT IN THE COUNTRY
Meanwhile, teachers in the region held protests to find the kidnapped individuals. Nigeria has long been facing attacks from armed gangs as well as the terrorist organizations Boko Haram and the West African branch of ISIS, ISWAP, in various parts of the country. Although the punishment for kidnapping in the country is death, kidnappings for ransom are frequently encountered. Armed individuals often target villages, schools, and travelers in the north of the country to demand ransom.