How Oyo Schoolchildren Were Abducted, Tied On Bikes – Lawmaker Reveals

The senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Abdulfatai Buhari, has revealed how kidnappers successfully abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to the lawmaker, the gunmen transported their victims into the forest, tying as many as eight children together on a single motorcycle.

Naija News reports that Buhari stated this while addressing journalists at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Describing the ordeal as terrible, the Senator stated that the heavily armed abductors used motorcycles to move the victims into the forest while recording videos of the operation.

“When they were taking the children away, they would tie six, seven or eight children together. One person would sit in front on the motorcycle, while another armed with a machine gun sat behind. It was a terrifying situation. They were even recording themselves and releasing the videos,” Buhari said.

A total of 49 people, including schoolchildren, teachers, and a toddler, were abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele, both communities located within Oyo North Senatorial District.

Providing an update on rescue efforts, Buhari said security agencies have narrowed down the area where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding, with police and military helicopters conducting surveillance missions over the forest.

“It is quite unfortunate. It was terrifying, and since then, police and army surveillance helicopters have been patrolling the area. They’ve narrowed down the location where these people are,” he said.

The senator explained that security agencies must proceed cautiously because of the large number of children being held hostage.

According to him, suggestions that authorities deploy incapacitating substances against the kidnappers could have fatal consequences for the young victims.

“Some people are suggesting the use of sleeping powder. But among those children are two-year-olds, three-year-olds and four-year-olds. If such substances affect them, they may never wake up again. What are you rescuing then?” Buhari asked.

“Parents simply want their children and loved ones back safely. If a child dies during a rescue operation, how do you explain that to the mother? That is why the security agencies have to be tactical and thoughtful, Buhari said.

He said the emotional impact of the incident has been devastating for families and residents of the affected communities.

“When we saw one of the mothers crying, it brought tears to everyone’s eyes. The situation in Esiele is different. It is even different from the Chibok girls’ case. Imagine someone simply going about his morning routine in Yawota and being mistaken for someone chasing the kidnappers. He was shot in the head,” Buhari said.