An elderly woman broke down in tears as she appealed to the Nigerian government to expedite the release of schoolchildren and staff abducted on May 15 in Orire Local Government area of Oyo State, saying that four of her grandchildren and her daughter-in-law are still being held captive.

She spoke on Saturday when Governor Seyi Makinde visited Esiele, the community where over 40 staff and schoolchildren were abducted by suspected terrorists.

“Please help us. We all parents are here,” the woman said on her knees as she wept, saying, “I have four grandchildren who are in nursery school, and my daughter-in-law, who is a teacher, is currently being held captive by those kidnappers.”

Also, the husband of the abducted Oyo school principal, Rachael Alamu, spoke about his abducted wife at the meeting while begging the government to rescue the victims.

“My wife is the woman the terrorists recorded to speak to Nigerians. Seeing a video of my wife in a terrorist den is depressing and disheartening,” Mr Alamu said as he broke down in tears.

Mr Makinde spoke to the families of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren, assuring them that the abductees would be released. 

“All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because it has security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release,” Mr Makinde said.

The abducted staff and schoolchildren have now spent about 16 days in their abductors’ den. 

One of the victims, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in the terrorists’ den last week.