A grieving mother whose child was among those kidnapped during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has shared her painful experience, saying she watched helplessly as armed men rounded up pupils before taking them away.
The woman explained that the incident occurred shortly after she had prepared her child for school. She was at home making a meal when the attackers stormed the community, firing gunshots and causing panic among residents.
According to her, the sudden invasion forced her to seek cover for safety. However, from where she was hiding, she witnessed the gunmen gathering her child alongside several other pupils.
Recounting the traumatic moment, she said she had completed her morning routine with her child and was preparing food for the child’s return from school when the attack began.
She described the experience as heartbreaking, noting that she remains deeply distressed as her child is still among those being held captive.
The mother also revealed that she is solely responsible for caring for her family following the death of her husband. She said she relocated to Nigeria in search of better opportunities and currently depends on her trading business to provide for her children.
While expressing appreciation for efforts already made by security agencies and government authorities, she appealed for urgent action to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
She urged the government not to relent until all the victims are reunited with their families, stressing that parents have been left in anguish since the incident occurred.
The appeal follows the attack on schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities, where armed men reportedly abducted 46 pupils and teachers several weeks ago.
Since the abduction, relatives of the victims and members of the affected communities have continued to call on both the federal and Oyo State governments to intensify rescue operations and ensure the abductees regain their freedom unharmed.