Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde met with families of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area on Saturday, May 30, 2026, following the circulation of fresh distress videos from captivity.

The closed-door briefing was held in Oriire after victims including Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, appeared in clips pleading for rescue. Families from Esiele, Yawota, Ahoro-Esiele and Alawusa communities attended the meeting to demand urgent action from the state government.

At the briefing, Prof. Wole Alamu, husband of the abducted principal and Director of Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin, broke down in tears while addressing the governor: “I’m the husband of the principal of Community High School, Esiele, who was kidnapped by gunmen. Our governor, we thank you. No way we can thank you that will be enough because we know your efforts since the incident occurred. What I want to say is that you will not fail on this matter and you will not get tired.” Prof. Alamu also said his wife is being forced to appear in the videos circulating online, which has deepened the family’s trauma: “It is very disheartening and depressing.”

Other parents and relatives of the victims also spoke, lamenting that children as young as 2-3 years old have spent over two weeks in the forest under rain and cold. One mother cried out, “Please, we are begging. They are small children,” reflecting the desperation of families whose loved ones were taken from Baptist Nursery/Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, Alawusa.

Responding, Governor Makinde assured the families that his administration has not abandoned the case: “I know you’re bleeding, I’m also bleeding in my heart.” He said the government is working round-the-clock with the Defence Headquarters, Nigeria Police Force, DSS and other security agencies, and confirmed that contact has been established with the kidnappers. “The government is not folding its arms over this matter. Since this incident happened, we have been on top of the situation. I have personally visited the area several times,” Makinde stated. He promised that rescue efforts will continue until all 46 victims are safely returned.

On government’s assurance: Makinde said security forces have intensified bush-combing operations around the Ogbomoso axis and nearby reserves where the abductors are believed to be hiding. He assured teachers and families that no one will be victimized for demanding updates, and directed his Executive Assistant on Security Matters, Compol Sunday Odukoya (rtd), to keep stakeholders informed without releasing details that could jeopardize operations. While government maintains it will not negotiate with terror, Makinde said every strategy that prioritizes the safety of the children and teachers is being weighed, especially after victims warned that force could endanger their lives.

Case background: On May 15, 2026, gunmen on motorcycles attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, abducting 7 teachers and 39 students. Teacher Michael Oyedokun was later killed in captivity, while assistant headmaster Mr. Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist were killed during the attack. A security operative also died after triggering an IED during initial rescue attempts.

The briefing ended with Makinde urging families to remain hopeful and united, insisting that Oyo State will not bow to terror.