A distressing video has surfaced on social media showing the principal of Community High School, Esinele, alongside staff members and students, appealing to the government and public for urgent rescue after being abducted by gunmen in Oyo State.

The incident reportedly took place around 9:30 AM on Friday in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

"Our Lives Are at Stake" — Victims Plead for Intervention

In the widely circulated footage, the school principal, identified as Mrs. Alamu, confirmed the abduction and stated that they have been held captive since Friday morning.

"On Friday at around 9:30, we were attacked by a certain group of people. A good number of us were abducted, the staff and the students as well," Mrs. Alamu said. "We have been here since Friday. I am making this video to ask for help from everyone. They should come to our help and settle this thing peacefully so that our lives will not be lost."

Another captive, identified as Temitope, who was seen holding a baby, made an emotional appeal to both political and religious institutions, highlighting the deteriorating condition of the children in captivity.

  • Appeals to Authorities: The victims have called on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the First Baptist Church to step in.

  • Plight of the Children: "The children are here, they are crying. Please help us all. We need your help. Help us all. Don’t neglect us all," Temitope lamented.

Police Response

While the exact source and authenticity of the video could not be independently verified at the time of reporting, law enforcement authorities in Oyo State have confirmed they are aware of the situation.

Speaking to Punch, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, stated that the command is actively investigating the footage.

"I have seen the video, we are working on it," DSP Olayinka said.