Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The investigation into the mass abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has taken a dramatic turn, with conflicting reports emerging over the status of a prominent traditional ruler. While some sources claimed that High Chief Tajudeen Abioye, the Elesinele of Esinele, had been arrested or invited for questioning by security operatives, both the monarch and the Oyo State Police Command have vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as entirely unfounded.
The controversy erupted on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, following a flurry of online reports alleging that the traditional ruler had been taken into custody in connection with the May 15, 2026, abduction of 46 individuals—comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers—from three schools in the Oriire area. Sources familiar with the matter claimed that investigators were pursuing lines of inquiry involving alleged local collaboration, intelligence leaks, and logistical support that may have aided the perpetrators. According to these reports, the monarch was being questioned over alleged links to individuals suspected of involvement in the attack, which affected communities around Ahoro-Esiele, Yawota, and neighbouring settlements.
However, in a swift rebuttal, the Elesinele of Esinele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, dismissed the reports as false, insisting that he had neither been arrested nor detained by any security agency. The monarch reiterated his commitment to supporting security agencies in their efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction, while also working to restore confidence among residents of the affected communities. The Oyo State Police Command also denied the reports. When contacted, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso Ayanlade, dismissed the allegations, stating: “Nothing but false, sir”. The police spokesperson maintained that reports linking the monarch to any arrest or invitation by security agencies were untrue.
The conflicting narratives have created a cloud of uncertainty over the investigation, with residents of Oriire Local Government Area expressing mixed reactions. Some community members expressed surprise at the allegations, noting that the monarch had previously spoken publicly about the tragedy and called for efforts to secure the release of the victims. Just days after the abduction, the Elesinele had appealed to authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims. He also commended both the Federal and Oyo State Governments for their interventions and support. Community stakeholders have urged that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and fairly, emphasizing the need for due process and caution against drawing conclusions before all facts are established.
The abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, involved coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, in the Ahoro-Esinele community. The attackers beheaded a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, before herding 39 pupils and seven teachers into the dense forests around the Old Oyo National Park. The incident triggered widespread outrage, forced the closure of schools across the state, and sparked protests from residents and civil society groups demanding urgent government action. In response, Governor Seyi Makinde imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on 10 local government areas surrounding the national park and deployed security forces to intensify search-and-rescue operations.
As of the time of filing this report, no security agency has issued any official statement confirming the arrest or invitation of Oba Tajudeen Abioye. The police have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives, while community stakeholders have cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could undermine ongoing investigations. The school abduction remains one of the most disturbing security incidents recorded in Oyo State this year. The attack drew condemnation from parents, education stakeholders, civil society groups, and political leaders, while raising concerns about security in rural communities. Sources alleged that several individuals believed to be connected to the incident have been apprehended as investigations continue. Efforts are also said to be ongoing to identify and apprehend all those allegedly involved in the operation.
For now, the status of the Elesinele of Esinele remains shrouded in ambiguity. While the monarch and the police have spoken with one voice to deny the reports, the persistence of conflicting narratives underscores the sensitivity of the investigation and the deep anxieties surrounding the abduction. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the traditional ruler's involvement is a matter of fact or fiction, and whether the investigation will yield the justice that the victims and their families so desperately seek.
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