Parents of pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have expressed reluctance to return their children to the affected schools, despite the victims’ rescue after spending 56 days in captivity.
While thanking God, security agencies and the Federal Government for securing the release of the pupils and teachers, many families said the psychological trauma caused by the abduction has left them unwilling to send their children back to the same schools without stronger security assurances.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when terrorists attacked Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele, near Ogbomoso.
A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, were taken into forests around the Old Oyo National Park, where they remained in captivity for nearly two months. Two teachers were killed during the attack before security operatives rescued the remaining victims.
Several parents and relatives said the incident has permanently changed their perception of the safety of the schools, with many considering transferring their children elsewhere.
A relative of one of the rescued pupils, Fausat Akindele, said parents need convincing assurances that both the schools and surrounding communities are secure before allowing their children to resume classes.
“What happened has changed everything for us. We thank God our children are back, but the fear remains. Parents need to be sure such an incident will never happen again,” she said.
Another family member, Basirat Adigun, stressed that the trauma experienced by both parents and children cannot be overlooked.
“No parent wants to expose a child to such danger again. We appreciate everyone who made their rescue possible, but security around the schools must improve before many of us can reconsider,” she said.
Adenike, whose sister’s children were among the abductees, said the children’s emotional recovery should take priority over an immediate return to school.
“Education is important, but the children’s emotional well-being comes first. Returning to the same environment immediately will be difficult until we are convinced they are fully protected,” she said.
Reacting to the concerns, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, described the fears expressed by parents as understandable in light of the traumatic experience.
He said the state government recognises that many families may decide to enrol their children in other schools despite the inconvenience, adding that efforts are already underway to rebuild confidence.
According to Oyelade, the Ministry of Education has begun upgrading infrastructure in the affected schools while the state government is working with relevant security agencies to strengthen security in the surrounding communities.
He added that although school infrastructure is the responsibility of the state government, security is largely under the Federal Government, expressing confidence that continued collaboration between both levels of government would help restore public confidence and ensure the safety of pupils and teachers.
