The Oyo school abduction continues to affect teachers, pupils, and parents in Oriire Local Government Area despite the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims. Although classes have resumed and students have returned to school, many educators say they still fear for their safety because security personnel remain largely absent from the school environment.
A teacher at Community High School in Oriire shared these concerns during a TVC interview uploaded on Wednesday. He chose not to reveal his identity but explained that the emotional impact of the attack remains strong across the school community.
School Community Slowly Returns to Normal
The teacher said both staff and school leaders resumed work soon after the kidnapping. However, many parents initially refused to send their children back because they feared another attack.
He explained that only about half of the students attended classes after the incident.
“The teachers, the principals, everybody were around. But unfortunately, we could only meet about half of the students. So, what we did was just to encourage them that, very soon, by God’s grace, the remaining students and the students in the bush would be released.”
The successful rescue operation changed the mood within the community. According to the teacher, the return of the abducted pupils and staff encouraged more families to allow their children back to school.
He expressed gratitude for the rescue.
“We’ll give glory to God. On Friday, God did it. And we were able to come back to school on Monday.”
Student Attendance Improves After Rescue
The teacher said the rescued victims’ return boosted confidence among students and parents. As a result, school attendance has steadily increased.
He noted that many students now feel safer because those who were kidnapped have reunited with their families.
“When we were in school already, we were able to encourage the students to come in because the students and the teachers that were kidnapped, they are already in town. So, that will give them the boldness to come around.”
Academic activities have also resumed. The school has continued its regular schedule, including examinations.
The teacher confirmed that students recently completed the National Examinations Council (NECO) English Language examination.
“By the grace of God, yesterday, we recorded an increased number of students in that school. And today, we just finished writing the NECO examination in our school. We wrote English Language. I’m one of the teachers coordinating and invigilating the students.”
The resumption of examinations marks an important step toward restoring normal education after nearly two months of disruption.
Teachers Say Trauma Has Not Disappeared
Although schools have reopened, many teachers continue to struggle emotionally.
The teacher admitted that conversations about the kidnapping still trigger fear among staff members.
“Somehow, because as I was interacting with some of my colleagues now, the fear is still there. We have to be sincere. The fear is still there.”
He added that the traumatic memories remain fresh.
“One way or the other, we are still discussing the situation. So, when we mention the situation, when we talk about it, some of them will still be in panic.”
His comments highlight the lasting psychological impact of the incident. While physical freedom has returned, emotional recovery will likely take much longer.
Call for Stronger Security in Rural Schools
The teacher urged the government to improve security across rural schools in Oyo State.
According to him, many teachers remain uncertain about their safety because they rarely see security personnel around the school.
“Coming from a government school to work in a village like this, some of the teachers are doubting; they are not very sure what the government has provided in the form of security.”
He stressed that visible security would reassure both staff and students.
“Our concern is basically on what governments are doing to boost the security of the whole place. So, if the security apparatus are in place, the fear will be a little bit down. But presently, because of the fact that you cannot see army, police around us in the school environment, the fear is still there.”
Many rural schools across Nigeria continue to face security challenges. Consequently, educators believe stronger protection will help restore confidence and prevent future attacks.
The Oyo school abduction left lasting scars on the Oriire community. Even though security agencies rescued the kidnapped pupils and teachers after 57 days in captivity, many educators still fear returning to work without visible protection.
Parents have gradually allowed more children to resume classes, and academic activities have restarted successfully. Students have also continued important examinations, including NECO.
Earlier, gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted pupils and teachers. During the assault, teachers Michael Oyedokun and Esiyan Adegboye lost their lives.
While the rescue operation brought relief, teachers insist that stronger security remains essential. They believe a sustained presence of police and other security agencies will help rebuild trust, improve attendance, and create a safer learning environment for every child and educator in rural Oyo State.
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