Oyo State school kidnapping crisis

In early July 2026, activist Sunday Igboho’s Iru Ekun Security Network, cooperating with Nigeria’s Intelligence Response Team, rescued a woman and her child abducted in Igbope, Oyo State. The operation ended with a gun‑battle and the abductors fleeing wounded. At the same time, the mass abduction of 46 children and teachers from Ahoro Esinele school in Oriire LGA remained unresolved after more than 50 days, with state officials denying any ransom payment and promising continued rescue efforts.

Later in July, security forces rescued pupils and teachers from the Orire school in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the operation, while Pastor Enoch Adeboye used the event to call for a ninety‑day ultimatum on security chiefs and to accuse wealthy individuals of funding terrorism. The rescue intensified public debate over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the responsibility of political and affluent actors.

On 10 July, the Ogbomoso rescue further fueled the security discussion, and Adeboye later defended President Tinubu at a US‑Nigeria Faith Heroes Award ceremony, reiterating his demand that security commanders act within a ninety‑day window and target alleged sponsors of violence.

In early August, Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Enquiry to investigate the Oriire school abductions in the Esinele and Yawota communities. The commission, headed by Secretary Olamide Sandra Tella, called for written memoranda from the public by 14 August to detail the circumstances, security conditions and responses, aiming to uncover facts and recommend measures to prevent future kidnappings.