Parents Shun Oriire Schools Despite Pupils’ Rescue After 56-Day Ordeal

By Opeyemi Adelakun

Parents of pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have expressed reluctance to return their children to the affected schools, despite their rescue after spending 56 days in captivity.

Although the families expressed gratitude to God, security agencies and the Federal Government for securing the victims’ freedom, many said the emotional scars left by the abduction remain too deep to allow an immediate return to the schools where the incident occurred.

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 when terrorists invaded Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele, near Ogbomoso.

Thirty-nine pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were taken into forests around the Old Oyo National Park, where they remained in captivity for nearly two months. Two teachers lost their lives during the attack before security operatives eventually rescued the remaining victims.

Several parents and relatives said the frightening experience had permanently altered their perception of the schools’ safety, with many now considering enrolling their children elsewhere.

A relative of one of the victims, Fausat Akindele, said parents would require convincing assurances that the schools and surrounding communities are secure before allowing their children to resume classes.

“What happened has changed everything for us. We thank God our children are back, but the fear remains. Parents need to be sure such an incident will never happen again,” she said.

Another family member, Basirat Adigun, said the trauma endured by both parents and children could not be ignored.

“No parent wants to expose a child to such danger again. We appreciate everyone who made their rescue possible, but security around the schools must improve before many of us can reconsider,” she said.

Adenike, whose sister’s children were among the abductees, said the emotional recovery of the victims should take precedence over their return to school.

“Education is important, but the children’s emotional well-being comes first. Returning to the same environment immediately will be difficult until we are convinced they are fully protected,” she said.

Responding to the concerns, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, acknowledged that the fears expressed by parents were understandable given the traumatic experience.

He said many families might choose to move their children to other schools despite the inconvenience, noting that the government recognised the emotional burden they had endured.

According to him, the state government has already begun upgrading infrastructure in the affected schools through the Ministry of Education while working with relevant authorities to strengthen security around the communities.

Oyelade added that although school infrastructure falls within the state’s responsibility, security remains largely under the Federal Government, expressing optimism that collaboration between both levels of government would eventually restore public confidence in the affected schools.