Why we delayed rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren, teachers

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has revealed why security agencies did not immediately swing into action to rescue schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Otiile Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The IGP, speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, said security operatives came under intense public criticism during the period the victims were held captive.

But, according to him, authorities deliberately avoided taking actions that could have endangered the children and their teachers.

Disu explained that the circumstances surrounding the attack made the operation particularly difficult, adding that the abductors targeted two schools before fleeing into a forested area with the victims.

“I will share with you the incident of the Ogbomosho kidnap. That day, they came. Two schools they went to and kidnapped those children and their teachers.

“They used the vehicle of one of the teachers, the head teacher. When they got to the entrance of the bush that they were going to, they set fire to the vehicle. We didn’t know why they did it,” he said.

The police boss reiterated that security operatives faced serious challenges due to the remoteness of the affected communities, pointing out that communication infrastructure in the area was poor, while security presence was limited.

“In that area, there is no network at all, at all. And I think even police stations are far from them. But they had only one street, one road that goes to the two villages where this kidnap happened,” Disu added.

DAILY POST recalls that the victims were abducted in May 2026 after armed attackers stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and whisked away dozens of pupils and members of staff.

The victims eventually regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.