According to a report by The Cable on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the husband of Mary Akanbi, one of the teachers kidnapped during recent attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has made an emotional appeal to the abductors to release his wife and their 18-month-old child.…....
He pleaded that he should be taken in their place if necessary.
His appeal became widely known after a video interview circulated online following a visit to the affected community by media personality Chude Jideonwo.
The interview drew attention to the difficult conditions faced by families affected by the abductions and the growing concerns about security in the area.
The attack occurred last Friday when armed men invaded several schools within Oriire Local Government Area.
The affected institutions included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and LA Primary School.
During the attacks, gunmen reportedly stormed the schools, causing panic among pupils, teachers, and residents.
Reports from the community indicated that at least 45 schoolchildren, together with several teachers and a school principal, were abducted during the incident.
Two people were also reported killed in the course of the attacks, while another abducted teacher was later confirmed dead while in captivity.
Speaking during the interview, the husband of Mary Akanbi described the difficult situation currently facing residents of the affected communities.
He explained that many people in the area now feel abandoned and vulnerable following the attacks.
According to him, fear has spread across the community as families continue to wait for updates about their loved ones.
He also stated that security concerns remain high because residents believe there is inadequate protection in the area after the incident.
His comments reflected the frustration and anxiety being experienced by families whose relatives remain in captivity.
The incident has also raised renewed concerns about the safety of schools and rural communities in parts of the country affected by insecurity.
