Students and Teachers Gradually Return to Oyo State School Following Abductions
A teacher at a community high school in the Oriile Local Government Area of Oyo State has reported that both students and faculty are resuming their studies following the safe return of abductees. However, lingering fears persist due to the absence of visible security measures around the school.
During a recent interview with TVC, the unnamed educator shared insights into the school’s recovery after the victims were freed from nearly two months of captivity. He pointed out that only about half of the students felt comfortable returning to class immediately after the incident, as many parents chose to keep their children at home out of safety concerns.
“Teachers, principals, and staff were present, yet we could only welcome back about half of our students. Our focus was on encouraging those who returned, hoping that with time, the remaining students and those still in hiding would also come back,” he noted.
The teacher expressed appreciation for the successful rescue operation, which he believes has motivated additional students to return to school. “We are grateful for the outcome. On Friday, we were blessed with the return of our colleagues, enabling us to resume classes by Monday,” he remarked.
The re-entry of the rescued individuals has restored a degree of confidence among parents and students. “With the victims back in the community, we could invite students to return, which made them feel safer,” he explained.
The school has observed a noteworthy improvement in attendance, with various academic activities, including examinations, now underway. “By the grace of God, the number of students has risen since yesterday. We recently completed the NECO examination in English, and I was one of the teachers guiding the students through the process,” he added.
Despite the restoration of normal academic activities, many teachers confront ongoing psychological trauma from the incident. “Speaking candidly, the fear still lingers among my colleagues. Discussions about abductions revive anxiety, and many find themselves unsettled when the topic arises,” he acknowledged.
The educator urged authorities to enhance security in rural schools, noting that many teachers feel uncertain about their safety in the current environment. “Teachers commuting from public schools to rural areas often express doubt about the security arrangements in place,” he stated.
He suggested that increasing the presence of security personnel at schools could help regain the trust of educators and students alike. “Our primary concern revolves around what the government is doing to bolster security throughout the region. A visible security presence would significantly alleviate fears. However, the current lack of military or police visibility near the school exacerbates anxiety,” he added.
According to Punch Online, the students and teachers held captive by gunmen in Oriile Local Government Area have been freed after enduring 57 days in captivity, thanks to a well-coordinated rescue effort by law enforcement agencies. Tragically, two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Esiyan Adegboye, were killed during the attack.
