IGP Opens Up on Why Security Forces Held Back During Schoolchildren Abduction

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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has explained why security operatives did not launch an immediate rescue mission for the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Otiile Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the police chief disclosed that law enforcement agencies faced heavy criticism from the public while the victims remained in captivity.

He, however, stated that security authorities intentionally refrained from taking certain actions to avoid putting the lives of the abducted pupils and their teachers at greater risk.

Disu explained that the nature of the attack complicated rescue efforts, noting that the kidnappers invaded two schools before escaping into a forest with their captives.

“I will share with you the incident of the Ogbomosho kidnap. That day, they came. Two schools they went to and kidnapped those children and their teachers.

“They used the vehicle of one of the teachers, the head teacher. When they got to the entrance of the bush that they were going to, they set fire to the vehicle. We didn’t know why they did it,” he said.

The Inspector-General further noted that the rescue operation was hampered by the isolated nature of the affected communities, stressing that the area lacked communication networks and had limited police presence.

“In that area, there is no network at all, at all. And I think even police stations are far from them. But they had only one street, one road that goes to the two villages where this kidnap happened,” Disu added.

ZINGTIE recalls that the abduction occurred in May 2026 after armed men invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and kidnapped dozens of pupils alongside members of staff.

The victims were eventually rescued after spending 56 days in captivity through a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.

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