According to a report by The Cable on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the husband of Mary Akanbi, one of the teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has said he is willing to sacrifice himself if it would guarantee the release of his wife and their 18-month-old child.…....
The man, who is still living in the same community where the abduction took place, expressed deep pain over the incident, explaining that families of victims have been left in fear and uncertainty amid worsening insecurity in the area. He also claimed that there is currently little or no effective security presence to protect residents, adding that the situation has left the community exposed and vulnerable.
He further stated that some security personnel who attempted a rescue operation were reportedly killed, which has intensified the fear among residents and reduced hope for immediate intervention. Despite this, he said he continues to remain in the community, holding on to the hope that his family will be rescued safely.
In an emotional appeal, he called on the kidnappers to release his wife and child, insisting that he is ready to take their place if necessary. According to him, life has lost meaning since the abduction, and he would prefer to face the terrorists directly if it means saving his loved ones.
He said: “I will gladly give myself to them for the sake of my wife and my child. Let them free my wife and my child and just take me instead.”
