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Residents of Esin-Ele community in Oyo State have turned to traditional spirituality as pressure mounts over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by armed men along a rural route in the area.
Traditional rulers lead spiritual intervention
The community’s traditional ruler, Onisa of Esin-Ele, Muraina Mutairo, on Monday led public rites alongside hunters, worshippers and local vigilantes, calling on ancestral deities to frustrate the kidnappers and secure the victims’ safe return.
The spiritual gathering, which drew large crowds and sparked reactions online, came amid growing fear among residents over the fate of the abducted victims.
Parents and relatives were said to be traumatised as local security volunteers intensified bush-combing operations across nearby forests suspected to harbour the kidnappers.
Community leaders said the move became necessary following prolonged uncertainty and repeated attacks on rural communities across Oyo State.
“Our forefathers defended this land before modern security structures existed. We believe the gods of the land will expose those behind this evil and force them to release the children and teachers unharmed,” a community elder said.
Rising insecurity fuels anxiety
The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in rural parts of Oyo State, especially attacks targeting schools and travellers.
In 2024, suspected kidnappers also abducted travellers along the Oyo-Ogbomoso axis, prompting calls for stronger surveillance and local intelligence gathering.
“The entire community is living in fear. We are appealing to the government and security agencies not to abandon these children and teachers,” another resident said.
As of Tuesday, authorities had yet to confirm the release of any victim.
Watch the video below…
Muraina Mutairo, the Onisa of Esin Ele in Oyo State, was seen invoking the gods to go after the abdûctørs and ensure the safe return of the kidnåpp€d Ogbomoso school students and teachers.
Video credit: @thecableng pic.twitter.com/ZWoRGCDUfZ
— CHUKS
(@ChuksEricE) May 19, 2026
(@ChuksEricE) May 19, 2026