Rescue Efforts Continue in Oyo and Borno The Ongoing Search for the Missing

On May 15, 2026, schoolchildren were abducted in Oyo and Borno, and they have now endured 54 days in captivity as rescue operations persist.

In Oyo, 39 students along with seven teachers were taken hostage in Oriire LGA, while in Borno, numerous individuals were seized in Askira-Uba, with six reportedly rescued. Authorities have stated that search efforts are ongoing, while health professionals caution that the children are at risk of life-threatening conditions due to their prolonged exposure in the forest.

In a separate incident, all 15 remaining church worshippers who were kidnapped in Ekiti State have been released. These victims, who were taken on April 28, 2026, during an evening service at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, regained their freedom on July 4, 2026, after spending 67 days in captivity. Unfortunately, an 84-year-old woman among the abducted worshippers passed away due to severe deprivation while in the hands of the kidnappers.

The gunmen initially attacked the church community situated on the border of Ekiti and Kwara states, shot the presiding pastor, and forced the worshippers into the forest. At first, the abductors demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion, which was later lowered to ₦50 million. Security officials reported that their eventual release was the result of coordinated intelligence-led tracking by the Nigeria Police Force, the Military, the Amotekun Corps, and local hunters.

Kidnapping has evolved into a ransom-driven enterprise, which criminal gangs exploit as a means of wealth generation. Consequently, Nigeria has emerged as a significant hotspot for kidnapping, posing major threats to both national and international security. 

In Nigeria, crimes such as kidnapping have transformed into a highly lucrative business conducted on a commercial scale.