The Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Abdulfatai Buhari, has revealed how gunmen who abducted dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State transported their victims into the forest, allegedly tying as many as eight children together on a single motorcycle.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly, Buhari described the incident as harrowing, saying the kidnappers, armed with sophisticated weapons, moved the victims through forest routes while filming the operation.
According to him, the attackers tied multiple children together on motorcycles, with one rider in front and another armed man seated behind.
The victims, comprising 49 pupils, teachers and a toddler, were kidnapped on May 15 from schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oyo North Senatorial District.
Buhari said the hostages have remained in captivity, while one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
The lawmaker noted that security agencies had intensified efforts to secure the victims' release, adding that police and military surveillance helicopters had narrowed down the area where the abductors were believed to be hiding.
He, however, stressed that rescue operations must be handled carefully because of the large number of children involved.
Buhari cautioned against suggestions that security operatives deploy incapacitating substances against the kidnappers, warning that such measures could endanger the lives of toddlers and other young victims in captivity.
The abduction has triggered public outrage and prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on an indefinite strike, demanding the immediate rescue of the pupils and teachers.
The senator expressed confidence in ongoing rescue efforts and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies as they work towards securing the safe release of the remaining captives.
He also described the emotional toll of the incident on affected families as devastating, insisting that authorities must do everything possible to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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