“What Happened to Me During the Deadly Kidnap Attack on the Pupils and Teachers Was Beyond What Anyone Should Experience. This Same Community Where the Pupils and Teachers Were Abducted Is Also the Same Place Where False Rumours Were Spread That I Was Involved in the Incident.” — Elesinele of Eṣinele Speaks
Following the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the Elesinele of Eṣinele has spoken publicly for the first time, recounting his experience during the tragic kidnap attack.
Drivetvnews gathered In an interview on Drivetvpodcastshow tagged “OHUN OJI RI”, the traditional ruler responded to questions surrounding the abduction and killings that occurred in Ahoro Eṣinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government.
Recall that, DrivetvnewsYoruba confirmed that the kidnapping occured on May 15, 2026.
He revealed that before the attack on the schools, kidnappers had already struck nearby communities. According to him, residents of Ahoro Dada had previously paid a ransom after an abduction, while another community also paid ransom to secure the release of kidnapped victims. He said they never imagined that the criminals would eventually target their own area.
The monarch explained that he and other community leaders were attending a meeting when they suddenly heard heavy gunfire. At first, everyone wondered what was happening, but they soon learnt that gunmen had abducted pupils and teachers and had also killed a teacher and a resident during the attack.
He said the incident threw the entire community into deep distress. Every possible effort was made to secure the victims’ release. Muslims offered prayers, Christians prayed, traditional worshippers also sought divine intervention, and appeals were made through every available channel.
The Elesinele added that while the community was struggling with the crisis, false rumours began circulating that he had been arrested by law enforcement agencies because he allegedly had prior knowledge of the attack. Some even claimed security operatives found large sums of money in his residence. He described the allegations as completely false, saying they caused him great emotional pain.
He recalled that during Governor Seyi Makinde’s visit to the community, the governor reassured residents that the abducted pupils and teachers would soon regain their freedom.
According to him, the day after Governor Makinde’s visit, a Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, also visited the community.
The traditional ruler said he passionately appealed to the delegation to use every available means to rescue the victims. They assured him that the government would do everything within its power to secure their release.
After weeks of anxious waiting, he said God answered their prayers as security agencies, working together through intelligence and coordinated operations, successfully rescued the pupils and teachers.
The monarch admitted that when he first received news of the rescue, he found it difficult to believe because so many false reports had circulated online throughout the ordeal. However, after confirming the information, he said he was overwhelmed with joy and initially felt as though he was dreaming before realising it was true.
He disclosed that at least ten people lost their lives during the entire operation. They included a teacher killed during the initial attack, a civilian, another teacher murdered while in captivity, two vigilante members, a soldier, a police officer, an operative of the Amotekun Corps, and others who died while pursuing the kidnappers in the forest.
Describing the experience as one of the most difficult periods in the community’s history, the Elesinele said that despite the heavy losses, the successful rescue was a victory worthy of gratitude. He noted that the unfortunate incident also brought national attention to Ahoro Eṣinele.
He further revealed that at one point, soldiers asked him whether he had influential connections that made the rescue operation successful. His response, he said, was that he had no one in high places except Almighty God, whom he credited for making the successful rescue possible.
