On Friday morning, 15th of May 2026, a terrible tragedy struck Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State, Nigeria. Armed bandits orchestrated a devastating series of coordinated raids on three schools, resulting in the mass kidnapping of over 40 individuals, including students and  dedicated teachers. This heartbreaking incident is not merely a local crisis but a global call to action. We must come together to ensure their safe and swift return.

Among the victims was Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School in Ahoro-Esiele, who was brutally murdered and beheaded by the kidnappers in captivity. 

The ramifications of this heinous act extend far beyond the immediate dangers faced by the hostages. The abduction not only disrupts the educational process and careers of children and educators, but it also shakes the foundation of safety and security in our schools. It adds to the growing fear among parents and school officials, threatening the very right to education, which is fundamental to our societal development.

We urge the Nigerian government, local authorities, and international bodies to prioritize this situation by deploying all available resources to engage in negotiations and facilitate the release of the hostages. It is imperative that security measures are significantly enhanced throughout the region, and comprehensive strategies are implemented to prevent future incidents.

Furthermore, it is crucial that counseling and psychological support are provided to the families of the abductees, as they endure this unimaginable ordeal. We must stand in solidarity with the families, offering every possible support to uphold their hope and faith in the system.

We call upon human rights organizations, educational institutions, and global citizens to amplify this message and pressure the Nigerian government into swift action. Our collective voices can make a difference. The world must see that we will not stand idly by while the basic rights of children and educators are trampled upon.

Please sign this petition to demand immediate action to locate and safely return the kidnapped students and teachers in Oyo State. Stand with us as we urge the authorities to take urgent and decisive measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Our unified efforts can help restore safety and peace to our schools and communities. 

Below is a comprehensive list of the kidnapped victims identified so far. As information is still emerging, the number of victims may change as more details become available.

S/N - Name (Details / Age)
1 Mrs. Alamu Folawe Principal, Community High School Ahoro-Esinele
2 Mr. Ojo Jonathan Vice Principal
3 Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus Teacher
4 Mr. John Olaleye Teacher
5 Mr. Michael Oyedokun Teacher (Deceased)
6 Mrs. Oladeji Teacher
7 Mary Akanbi Teacher, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School
8 Rashida Tajudeen 11 years
9 Ahmed Ramoni 8 years
10 Abdulsalam Toyib 4 years
11 Baraka Abioye 16 years
12 Fatimo Jimoh 15 years
13 Hassan Azeez 14 years
14 Joshua Adeleke 13 years
15 Samuel Oyedele 7 years
16 Emmanuel Oyedele 4 years
17 Idowu Taiwo 4 years
18 Christianah Akanbi 2 years
19 Juwon Sunday 7 years
20 Sikiru Salami 3 years
21 Soliu Salami 4 years
22 Ojo Joseph 8 years
23 Lydia Adewole 8 years
24 Testimony Jacob 5 years
25 Kehinde Kaosara 7 years
26 Sewa Seyi 7 years
27 Waliya Bello 4 years
28 Lydia Olohunloluwa 7 years
29 Damilare Oderinde 8 years
30 Deborah Adebowale 5 years
31 Aisha Oguntowo 10 years
32 Lege Taiwo 12 years
33 Balkis Ayanwale 8 years
34 Asa David 10 years
35 Shuaibu Aliyu 10 years
36 Ahmed Aliyu 7 years
37 Muiz Aliyu 5 years
38 Jomiloju Ogunlola 6 years
39 Agune Noah 8 years
40 Elizabeth Abadi 5 years
41 Tosin Abadi 9 years
42 Pius Stephen 5 years
43 Hannah Ojo 14 years
44 Habidat Ayanwale 7 years
45 Mary Gabriel 6 years
46 Jacob Gabriel Age not specified 

Let’s lift our voices for the families who are currently living in unbearable grief and fear.

BringBackOyoChildren JusticeForMichaelOyedokun ProtectOurTeachers

Thank you 🖤