# Oyo State school kidnapping crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/oyo-state-school-kidnapping-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-02T03:20:56.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Oyo State Judicial Commission seeks public input on Oriire school abduction

Oyo State's Judicial Commission on the Oriire school abduction asks the public for written memoranda on the incident, security context, and preventive recommendations, with a deadline of 14 Aug 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oyo-state-judicial-commission-seeks-public-input-on-oriire-school-abduction

### 2026-07-23: Ogbomoso school kidnapping sparks security debate in Nigeria

Rescued pupils from the Orire school kidnapping in Ogbomoso prompted President Tinubu's praise and Pastor Adeboye's defence, sparking debate on Nigeria's security and alleged sponsors of terrorism.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ogbomoso-school-kidnapping-sparks-security-debate-in-nigeria

### 2026-07-04: Oyo State, Nigeria kidnapping crisis: rescue of woman and child, and ongoing search for school abductees

Sunday Igboho’s team rescued a kidnapped Oyo woman and child, while 46 schoolchildren in Oriire remain missing after 50+ days, with authorities denying ransom payments.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oyo-state-nigeria-kidnapping-crisis-rescue-of-woman-and-child-and-ongoing-search-for-school-abductee

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Cite as: Oyo State school kidnapping crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/oyo-state-school-kidnapping-crisis