Panic and grief have gripped communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as a school principal and several staff members abducted during a violent raid on schools have appeared in a distressing video, pleading for urgent rescue.

Armed men stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esinele axis of Ogbomoso, opening fire and causing chaos as pupils and teachers fled in terror. Police authorities confirmed that a teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were killed in the attack.

Dozens of schoolchildren were seized alongside the principal of one of the schools, identified as Mrs Rachael Alamu, and multiple staff members. Local sources and security reports indicate that at least 45 pupils were taken away by the gunmen, who herded their captives into the surrounding bush.

In a video that has since gone viral, Mrs Alamu, visibly distressed, recounts how the attackers invaded the school premises at about 9:30 in the morning and rounded up both staff and students. Surrounded by other captives, she appeals directly to authorities and religious leaders to intervene.

She calls on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Christian Association of Nigeria and “all well-meaning Nigerians” to urgently step in, stressing that the abducted teachers and children have been held in harsh conditions since the attack. Her plea is framed as a race against time to prevent further loss of life.

Another victim, who identifies herself as Temitope and says she works with First Baptist Church in Ogbomoso, appears in the same footage carrying a baby. She confirms that both teachers and pupils were taken and begs the government, the church and the wider community to act swiftly so that the captors will release them.

Temitope describes the emotional trauma of the children in captivity, saying they have been crying incessantly and are fearful for their lives. Her repeated appeal, “Please help us,” underscores the desperation of the hostages and the urgency of the situation.

Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to track the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims, while community leaders and religious bodies are mobilising support and calling for intensified action against the rising wave of school abductions in the region.