Oyo CAN Orders Statewide Fasting As Students Remains In Captivity

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, has declared Wednesday, May 20, 2026, a day of prayer and fasting for the safe release of the 46 students, teachers, and a principal abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, May 15. The declaration, made by CAN Chairman Rev. Elisha Ogundiya in a statement on Tuesday, came as the Christian community expressed profound distress over the attack that left an assistant headmaster and a commercial motorcyclist dead, and a mathematics teacher beheaded in captivity. Ogundiya directed all churches across the state to observe the fast until 6 p.m., focusing prayer points on the release of the abductees, divine protection for the state, and repentance for the perpetrators, with specific reference to Bible passages including 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Ephesians 6:10. "We condemn this act in the strongest terms. Schools must remain safe spaces for learning, not hunting grounds for criminals," Ogundiya said, adding that the trauma inflicted on the children, their teachers, and their families is immeasurable. While commending steps already taken by the Oyo State Government and security agencies, CAN urged authorities to fast-track the immediate release of all abducted individuals, strengthen security in vulnerable rural areas, and implement concrete school safety protocols including community-based security frameworks.

The abduction, which occurred around 9:30 a.m. on May 15, involved about 12 armed men on motorcycles who simultaneously attacked Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School in Ahoro‑Esinele, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, all located within the Yawota and Ahoro‑Esinele axis of Oriire Local Government Area. During the assault, the assailants killed an assistant headmaster, Mr. Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist who resisted attempts to forcefully take his motorcycle, before abducting the victims and fleeing into the forest. A mathematics teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded in a viral video, a development that has drawn condemnation from President Bola Tinubu, who described the act as barbaric. Community sources have released a comprehensive list of 46 abducted persons, including seven teachers and 39 students, with the youngest victim being a two-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. The abducted teachers include Mrs. Alamu Folawe (Principal, Community High School, Ahoro‑Esinele), 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. The abducted students, with their ages and communities, have also been identified, including Rashida Tajudeen (11 years), Ahmed Ramoni (8 years), Abdulsalam Toyib (4 years), Baraka Abioye (16 years), Fatimo Jimoh (15 years), Hassan Azeez (14 years), Joshua Adeleke (13 years) from Ahoro‑Esinele Community; Samuel Oyedele (7 years), Emmanuel Oyedele (4 years), Idowu Taiwo (4 years), Juwon Sunday (7 years), Sikiru Salami (3 years), Soliu Salami (4 years), Ojo Joseph (8 years), Lydia Adewole (8 years), Testimony Jacob (5 years), Kehinde Kaosara (7 years), Sewa Seyi (7 years), Waliya Bello (4 years), Lydia Olohunloluwa (7 years), Damilare Oderinde (8 years), Deborah Adebowale (5 years), Aisha Oguntowo (10 years), Lege Taiwo (12 years), Balkis Ayanwale (8 years), Asa David (10 years) from Yawota Community; Shuaibu Aliyu (10 years), Ahmed Aliyu (7 years), Muiz Aliyu (5 years), Jomiloju Ogunlola (6 years) from Oniya Community; and Agune Noah (8 years), Elizabeth Abadi (5 years), Tosin Abadi (9 years), Pius Stephen (5 years), Hannah Ojo (14 years), Habidat Ayanwale (7 years), Mary Gabriel (6 years), and Jacob Gabriel (age not specified) from Alawusa Community.

Security agencies have responded with a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence Agro Rangers, Amotekun Corps, and local hunters. The Oyo State Government announced on Saturday, May 16, that the suspected kidnappers had been effectively confined within the Old Oyo National Park axis, with all possible escape routes sealed to prevent the suspects from fleeing into Kwara State or across the international border with the Republic of Benin. The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has deployed additional detectives from the Force Headquarters to collaborate with the joint security team on the ground. According to a police spokesperson, security operatives are exercising caution because the abductors are using the victims as human shields, and any exchange of fire must be done meticulously to avoid jeopardising the lives of the captives. The Oyo State Police Command has also confirmed that it is analysing a viral video of the abducted principal and students circulating online, which is undergoing comprehensive forensic examination to aid investigations and rescue operations. The police have arrested six suspects believed to be informants who maintained telephone communication with the bandits during and after the operation, providing details on how the criminals could navigate routes within the National Park to hidden safe havens. Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that his administration will not surrender to terror but is prepared to listen to the abductors' demands to secure the safe release of the victims. He has also confirmed that two surveillance aircraft procured by the state have arrived in Nigeria and are being reassembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos, expected to become operational before the end of June to monitor border areas.

The community's anguish has also found expression in spiritual interventions beyond Christianity. A video circulated on Tuesday captured the moment a traditional priest, the Onisa of Esin Ele, Muraina Mutairo, performed rituals invoking deities to hunt down the bandits and protect the captured children. Also, Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo has urgently appealed that the intention for the safe release of the captives be included in every Holy Mass and all intercessory prayers, including the ongoing Novena to the Holy Spirit ahead of Pentecost Sunday. Meanwhile, Catholic, CAN, and traditional spiritual exercises aside, the teachers themselves have taken to the streets, shutting down classroom activities in Ogbomoso and staging a peaceful protest to the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) office, demanding improved security around schools and safer learning environments for both staff and students. Across social media, the hashtags #BringOurChildrenHome and #PrayForOyo have continued to trend, as Nigerians from all walks of life join their voices to the collective cry for the safe return of 46 innocent souls.

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