Facts have begun to emerge over the deadly attack carried out by suspected Fulani terrorists, popularly referred to as bandits in Nigeria, on Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Teacher Oyedokun M. O. slaughtered by the terrorist in the bush
The attackers reportedly invaded LA Primary School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele, as well as First Baptist Nursery and Primary School located within the Baptist Church premises in Yawota, abducting teachers, pupils, and students during the coordinated assault.
Victim Mary Akanbi
So far, three deaths have been confirmed in connection with the incident. Among those killed were an assistant headmaster, Joel Adeyisan, and an unidentified motorcyclist whose motorcycle was reportedly taken by the attackers. Governor Seyi Makinde also confirmed the killing of a mathematics teacher, Mr Oyedokun M. O., who was reported to have been slaughtered in the bush, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to three. It was gathered that Oyedokun’s last words are, “My name is Oyedokun M. O.. I am a teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele Community at Orire LGA. The bandits are simply saying: we mean business. We fear no one. We are not joking.”
Joel Adeyisan, killed by the terrorists
Makinde further disclosed that seven teachers were abducted during the attack.
Although official figures are yet to be confirmed, unverified reports claimed that seven teachers and 39 students were kidnapped. The abducted teachers were identified as Mrs. Alamu Folawe, principal of Community High School; Mr. Ojo Jonathan, vice principal; Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus; Mr. John Olaleye; Mr. Michael Oyedokun; Mrs. Oladeji; and Mary Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
IGP Tunji Disu Addressing Victims’ Family Members in Ahoro-Esinele
According to reports, the abducted students were drawn from several communities within Oriire Local Government Area.
From Ahoro-Esinele community, the victims were identified as Rashida Tajudeen, 11; Ahmed Ramoni, 8; Abdulsalam Toyib, 4; Baraka Abioye, 16; Fatimo Jimoh, 15; Hassan Azeez, 14; and Joshua Adeleke, 13.
From Yawota community, the abducted children included Samuel Oyedele, 7; Emmanuel Oyedele, 4; Idowu Taiwo, 4; Christianah Akanbi, 2; Juwon Sunday, 7; Sikiru Salami, 3; Soliu Salami, 4; Ojo Joseph, 8; Lydia Adewole, 8; Testimony Jacob, 5; Kehinde Kaosara, 7; Sewa Seyi, 7; Waliya Bello, 4; Lydia Olohunloluwa, 7; Damilare Oderinde, 8; Deborah Adebowale, 5; Aisha Oguntowo, 10; Lege Taiwo, 12; Balkis Ayanwale, 8; and Asa David, 10.
LA Primary School
Other victims reportedly came from Oniya and Alawusa communities, including Shuaibu Aliyu, 10; Ahmed Aliyu, 7; Muiz Aliyu, 5; Jomiloju Ogunlola, 6; Agune Noah, 8; Elizabeth Abadi, 5; Tosin Abadi, 9; Pius Stephen, 5; Hannah Ojo, 14; Habidat Ayanwale, 7; Mary Gabriel, 6; and Jacob Gabriel.
The latest attack has heightened fears over worsening insecurity in the South-West, amid growing concerns that terrorist groups are expanding their operations beyond northern Nigeria. The incident is reportedly the fourth major kidnapping attack recorded in Oyo State under the Makinde administration.
The Elesin-Ile of Esin-Ile, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, lamented the recurring attacks in the Ogbomosho axis, stating that residents had repeatedly come under assault, even within their homes.
Security Men Combing the Bush
Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said security operatives had contained the attackers within the National Park corridor while efforts intensified to rescue the abducted victims. According to the government, the suspects were prevented from escaping into neighbouring states such as Kwara.
However, sources within the affected communities claimed the attackers outmaneuvered security forces by deploying Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), making rescue efforts difficult.
One of the escapees narrated how the attackers resisted security operatives.
“The bandits shot sporadically at the security agents, but when the bullets failed to penetrate some of the officers’ protective gear, they resorted to IEDs. The explosions caught the rescue team off guard, leading to the death of one person while others sustained injuries,” the source said.
He added that local hunters familiar with the terrain had advised security operatives to disembark from their motorcycles and proceed cautiously, but the suggestion was allegedly ignored.
In a video released from captivity, the abducted principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe Rachael, appealed for urgent intervention.
“I am the principal of Community High School, Esinele, in Oriire Local Government of Oyo State. On Friday around 9:30 a.m., we were attacked and many of us, including staff and students, were abducted. We are pleading with the Federal Government, Governor Seyi Makinde, CAN, and well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid and ensure our safe release,” she said.
Another abducted victim, identified as Temitope Mary, who said she is an indigene of Ibadan and works at First Baptist Church School in Yawota, also appealed for help.
“We were kidnapped together with the students. We need intervention from the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the church, and the entire community so that we can regain our freedom,” she said.
Meanwhile, Hon Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala called on the government to strengthen security across the South-West.
“The level of insecurity is alarming and becoming frequent. This is the fourth kidnapping incident by Fulani terrorists in the area. We need a military base to protect our communities, and there is also an urgent need for state police,” he said.
Families of the abducted victims have continued to express anguish over the incident, pleading with the government to secure the release of their loved ones, insisting they cannot afford to pay ransom demands.
However, the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, who condemned the attack as cruel and unacceptable, reiterated that no effort would be spared in restoring normalcy to the affected communities. He assured residents, parents, and guardians that the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified coordinated search-and-rescue operations, intelligence gathering, and tactical deployments aimed at securing the safe return of all abducted victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
