selemedia.org

Tag: Kidnapping crisis

  • Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction: Women Traditionalists Storm Shrines, Seek Divine Intervention!

    Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction: Women Traditionalists Storm Shrines, Seek Divine Intervention!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    IBADAN, Nigeria — A group of women traditionalists in Oyo State has gathered at various shrines across the state to perform prayers and spiritual rites, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of schoolchildren abducted by suspected kidnappers. The development, which occurred on Thursday, June 5, 2026, reflects growing public desperation and community involvement as families and residents continue to await the children’s rescue.

    The abduction, which took place earlier this week in the Ogbomoso area of Oyo State, has sent shockwaves through the community and intensified calls for stronger security measures. Authorities have confirmed that an unspecified number of students were taken from their school premises by armed men, though official figures remain disputed by local sources.

    Community Desperation Turns to Spiritual Intervention

    The gathering of women traditionalists at various shrines represents a significant cultural response to the crisis. In Yoruba tradition, shrines dedicated to deities such as Ogun, Sango, and Oya are often visited during times of collective distress, with adherents believing that spiritual forces can intervene where human efforts have failed.

    “We cannot sit idle while our children are in the hands of these criminals,” said Madam Adebisi Ogunleye, a leader of the traditionalist group, speaking to journalists at a shrine in Ibadan. “Our ancestors and the gods have always protected us. We are calling on them now to reveal the location of our children and bring them home safely.”

    The women, dressed in white garments and carrying calabashes containing offerings of kolanut, palm oil, and honey, performed incantations and libations at multiple shrines across the state. The ritual, known as “Ebo” in Yoruba cosmology, is traditionally performed to appease deities and seek their favour in times of crisis.

    This cultural response highlights the deep-rooted belief systems that remain influential in contemporary Nigerian society, even as the country grapples with modern security challenges. For many families affected by the abduction, the spiritual dimension offers a source of hope and psychological solace when conventional rescue efforts appear stalled.

    Security Forces Intensify Search Operations

    Meanwhile, security forces have intensified search operations across Oyo State and neighbouring regions. The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups, has deployed tactical teams to forested areas believed to be hideouts for kidnap gangs.

    Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, CP Ayodele Sonubi, confirmed that a joint task force has been established to coordinate the rescue effort. “We are working around the clock to ensure the safe return of these children,” Sonubi said in a statement. “Our operatives have been deployed to all possible locations, and we are following up on credible intelligence.”

    The Oyo State Government has also announced the establishment of a dedicated emergency response centre and urged residents to provide any information that could assist the rescue operation. Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited the affected school on Wednesday, described the abduction as “a heinous act that will not be tolerated” and pledged to strengthen security infrastructure across the state.

    Rising Kidnapping Crisis in Nigeria

    The Oyo schoolchildren abduction is the latest in a series of mass kidnappings targeting educational institutions across Nigeria. Since the Chibok schoolgirls abduction in 2014, which saw 276 girls taken from their school in Borno State, the country has witnessed a disturbing pattern of attacks on schools by armed groups.

    According to data from the Nigeria Security Tracker, a project of the Council on Foreign Relations, at least 1,680 students have been abducted from Nigerian schools between 2014 and 2026. The majority of these incidents have occurred in northern states, but the Oyo abduction signals a worrying expansion of the crisis into the South-West region.

    “This is a national emergency that requires a coordinated response,” said Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, a security analyst based in Lagos. “The kidnappers are exploiting gaps in our security architecture, and they are becoming bolder. We need a multi-faceted approach that combines military action, community intelligence, and social intervention to address the root causes of this crisis.”

    Cultural Impact: Traditional Institutions Under Strain

    The involvement of traditionalists in the response to the abduction reflects the enduring influence of indigenous belief systems in Nigerian society. In Yoruba culture, traditional religious practices coexist with Islam and Christianity, and many families maintain allegiance to both spiritual traditions.

    However, the crisis has also exposed tensions within communities about the appropriate response to security threats. Some religious leaders have criticised the traditionalist intervention, arguing that it undermines faith in modern institutions and security forces.

    “While we respect the cultural practices of our people, we must be careful not to create the impression that spiritual intervention is a substitute for effective security measures,” said Pastor Emmanuel Adewale, a Christian cleric in Ibadan. “We need both prayer and action, but ultimately, it is the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens.”

    The traditionalist response also raises questions about the erosion of community trust in state institutions. When citizens turn to shrines rather than police stations, it signals a profound crisis of confidence in the state’s ability to provide security.

    Security and Conflict: The Geopolitical Dimension

    The Oyo abduction has broader implications for security dynamics in the South-West region and across Nigeria. The incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating insecurity, including farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and separatist agitation in various parts of the country.

    Analysts have noted that the kidnappers may be linked to criminal networks that operate across state boundaries, exploiting weak border controls and limited inter-agency cooperation. The use of forested areas as hideouts, particularly the Oke Ogun region, has made it difficult for security forces to track and neutralise these groups.

    “The kidnappers are becoming more sophisticated,” said retired Colonel Abiodun Ogunbiyi, a security consultant. “They use encrypted communication, change locations frequently, and have local informants who provide intelligence on security movements. We need to disrupt these networks through intelligence-led operations and community engagement.”

    The federal government has faced mounting criticism over its handling of the security crisis. Opposition parties and civil society groups have called for the declaration of a state of emergency in areas most affected by kidnapping and banditry.

    Pan-African Significance: A Continental Challenge

    The Oyo schoolchildren abduction is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of insecurity affecting educational institutions across Africa. In recent years, similar attacks have occurred in countries including Kenya, Somalia, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The African Union has condemned attacks on schools as violations of international humanitarian law and has called on member states to implement the Safe Schools Declaration, a political commitment to protect education during armed conflict. Nigeria is a signatory to the declaration but has faced challenges in implementing its provisions.

    “The protection of children in conflict zones is a continental priority,” said Amb. Fatima Kyari Mohammed, the African Union’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations. “We cannot afford to normalise the abduction of schoolchildren. This is a violation of their fundamental rights and a threat to the future of our continent.”

    The crisis also highlights the need for cross-border cooperation in addressing transnational organised crime. Kidnapping-for-ransom networks often operate across national boundaries, exploiting weak law enforcement and corruption to evade justice.

    What Happens Next

    As of Friday, June 6, 2026, the search for the abducted schoolchildren continues. Security forces have not provided a timeline for their rescue, but officials have expressed cautious optimism based on intelligence gathered in recent days.

    The Oyo State Government has announced plans to review security arrangements at all schools in the state, including the deployment of additional police personnel and the installation of surveillance equipment. The government has also appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

    For the families of the abducted children, each passing hour brings renewed anxiety and hope. The women traditionalists have vowed to continue their spiritual intercessions until the children are safely returned, a testament to the enduring power of culture and community in the face of adversity.

    SOURCES

    1. BBC News — “Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction: Women Traditionalists Seek Divine Intervention” (June 5, 2026)
    2. Channels Television — “Oyo Abduction: Security Forces Intensify Search Operations” (June 6, 2026)
    3. Vanguard News — “Kidnapping Crisis: Oyo State Government Establishes Emergency Response Centre” (June 5, 2026)
    4. The Punch — “Oyo Schoolchildren Abduction: Families, Community in Agony” (June 5, 2026)
    5. Daily Trust — “Nigeria’s Kidnapping Epidemic: A National Emergency” (June 6, 2026)
    6. Council on Foreign Relations — Nigeria Security Tracker (2026)

  • Boko Haram Allegedly Plans ‘Qur’anic Graduation’ for Abducted Kwara Women and Children!

    Boko Haram Allegedly Plans ‘Qur’anic Graduation’ for Abducted Kwara Women and Children!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    ILORIN, Nigeria— Families of more than 100 women and children abducted from a Kwara State community have raised urgent alarm over reports that Boko Haram militants are planning a forced “Qur’anic graduation” ceremonBoko Haram Allegedly Plans ‘Qur’anic Graduation’ for Abducted Kwara Women and Children! y for the captives, deepening fears for their safety and well-being. Relatives, speaking through local community leaders, are demanding immediate intervention from the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations before the alleged ceremony takes place.

    The abductions occurred in late May 2026 when armed men believed to be Boko Haram insurgents raided several villages in the remote Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State. The victims, predominantly women and children from farming communities, were taken to an undisclosed location believed to be in the vast forests straddling the border between Kwara and Niger states. Family members say they received word through intermediaries that the militants intend to compel the captives to undergo a religious indoctrination process culminating in a staged graduation event.

    “We are terrified. They are saying the women and children will be forced to recite verses and then ‘graduate’ as if this is a normal school ceremony,” said Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, a community elder whose daughter and three grandchildren are among the missing. “This is not education. This is brainwashing and a mockery of our faith. We want the government to act now before it is too late.”

    Community Impact: A Rural Region in Crisis

    The abductions have plunged the affected communities into a state of profound grief and fear. Edu Local Government Area, a predominantly agrarian region with limited security presence, has become a flashpoint for insecurity as banditry and insurgency spill over from neighbouring states. The loss of more than 100 women and children has crippled daily life, with many families unable to tend their farms or send remaining children to school for fear of further attacks.

    Local markets have seen reduced activity, and many households have relocated to temporary camps in Ilorin, the state capital, seeking safety. The psychological toll is immense. “These women are the backbone of our community. They manage the homes, the farms, and the children. Without them, we are lost,” said Hajiya Aisha Bello, a local teacher and community organiser. “The children are especially vulnerable. They are being stripped of their childhood and forced into a radical ideology they do not understand.”

    The alleged plan to stage a “Qur’anic graduation” adds a cruel twist to the trauma. Families fear that the ceremony is designed to legitimise the captivity and indoctrination process, making it harder for victims to reintegrate into society if they are eventually rescued. Community leaders have called for psychosocial support for families and for the government to treat the abductions as a humanitarian emergency, not merely a security incident.

    Background: Boko Haram’s Evolving Tactics

    Boko Haram, whose name roughly translates to “Western education is forbidden,” has a long history of abducting women and children for forced conversion, indoctrination, and use as combatants or domestic labour. The group’s most infamous abduction remains the 2014 kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, which sparked global outrage. Since then, the group has continued to target schools, villages, and IDP camps, particularly in northeastern Nigeria.

    However, the alleged “Qur’anic graduation” represents a relatively new tactic. Analysts suggest the ceremony serves multiple purposes: it provides a veneer of religious legitimacy to the group’s actions, it psychologically breaks captives into accepting their new reality, and it serves as propaganda to recruit new members and intimidate communities. The term “graduation” is believed to be a deliberate distortion of Islamic education, where genuine Qur’anic schooling is a respected tradition across West Africa.

    “Boko Haram is trying to rebrand its atrocities as religious instruction,” said Dr. Fatima Sani, a security analyst at the Centre for Democracy and Development in Abuja. “This is not about faith. It is about control, terror, and the systematic destruction of community bonds. The government must recognise this as a war crime and respond with the full force of the law.”

    Pan-African Angle: A Shared Threat Across Borders

    The Kwara abductions are not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of terrorism and kidnapping affecting multiple African nations. Boko Haram operates across Nigeria’s borders, with documented activity in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. The Lake Chad Basin region has become a epicentre of extremist violence, displacing millions and creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

    The alleged “Qur’anic graduation” plan echoes similar tactics used by other extremist groups across the continent. In Mozambique, the Islamic State-linked Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama (ASWJ) has forcibly converted captives and staged religious ceremonies to consolidate control over territory. In the Sahel, groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have used forced religious education as a tool of indoctrination and social engineering.

    “What is happening in Kwara is a Pan-African problem,” said Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the African Union’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. “Terrorism does not respect borders. The AU has called for a coordinated regional response, including intelligence sharing, joint military operations, and support for community resilience programmes. We cannot allow these groups to operate with impunity.”

    The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has condemned the abductions and called for urgent action. However, critics say the response has been too slow, with member states often prioritising national sovereignty over collective security. The Kwara case highlights the need for a stronger African-led mechanism to combat terrorism, including a dedicated fund for victim support and rehabilitation.

    Government Response and Calls for Action

    The Nigerian government has yet to issue a formal statement on the alleged “Qur’anic graduation” plan. Security forces, including the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS), have confirmed they are aware of the abductions and are conducting search operations. However, families say the response has been inadequate, with no visible progress in locating the victims.

    “We have been waiting for over a week. The security agencies tell us they are working, but we see no results,” said Alhaji Abdullahi. “We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to personally intervene. These are our mothers, our wives, our children. They are not statistics. They are human beings.”

    Civil society organisations have also weighed in. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the government to declare a state of emergency in Edu Local Government Area and to deploy additional security resources. Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the government to ensure that rescue operations prioritise the safety of the captives and to hold perpetrators accountable under international law.

    “The government must act decisively,” said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “Delays in rescue operations can have fatal consequences. We also call on the international community to support Nigeria in this fight, including through intelligence sharing and technical assistance.”

    What Happens Next

    As the alleged date of the “Qur’anic graduation” approaches, families are bracing for the worst. Community leaders have organised prayer vigils and are liaising with local authorities to pressure the government into action. Some families have reportedly attempted to negotiate with the abductors through intermediaries, but these efforts have been unsuccessful.

    The Nigerian military has not confirmed any timeline for rescue operations, citing operational security. However, sources within the security establishment say a coordinated effort involving air surveillance and ground troops is underway. The government is also exploring diplomatic channels, given the possibility that the victims may have been moved across the border into Niger Republic.

    For the families of Kwara, the wait is agonising. “Every day that passes, we lose hope,” said Hajiya Bello. “But we will not give up. We will keep fighting for our loved ones until they are brought home safely.”

    SOURCES

    • Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, community elder, Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State
    • Hajiya Aisha Bello, teacher and community organiser, Ilorin
    • Dr. Fatima Sani, security analyst, Centre for Democracy and Development, Abuja
    • Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security
    • Osai Ojigho, Director, Amnesty International Nigeria
    • Verified Nigerian media reports (Premium Times, The Cable, Channels TV)
    • Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS) official statements

  • Kehinde Bankole Urges Nigerian Government to Intensify Fight Against Kidnappings!

    Kehinde Bankole Urges Nigerian Government to Intensify Fight Against Kidnappings!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    ABUJA, Nigeria — Nollywood actress Kehinde Bankole has called on the Nigerian government to deploy its “full wrath and force” against rising kidnappings across the country, stressing the urgent need to protect citizens and restore public confidence in national security. The actress voiced concern over the growing insecurity affecting communities nationwide, urging authorities to act decisively against criminal networks responsible for abductions and violence. Her comments reflect increasing public frustration over recurring kidnapping incidents targeting travelers, students, and rural residents.

    Actress Highlights Worsening Security Crisis

    Bankole made the appeal during a media interview on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in which she described the current wave of kidnappings as a national emergency that demands immediate and coordinated government action. She noted that no Nigerian, regardless of status or location, is safe from the threat of abduction.

    “The government must deploy its full wrath and force against these criminals. We cannot continue to live in fear. Every Nigerian deserves to move freely without the constant dread of being kidnapped,” Bankole said.

    The actress’s statement comes amid a surge in reported kidnapping cases across several states, including Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory. Security analysts estimate that over 3,000 Nigerians have been abducted in the first five months of 2026 alone, with many victims still in captivity.

    Rising Public Frustration Over Insecurity

    Bankole’s comments are part of a broader wave of public outcry against the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens have increasingly voiced anger over the government’s inability to curb kidnapping for ransom, banditry, and other violent crimes.

    In recent weeks, several high-profile abductions have drawn national attention. On May 12, 2026, gunmen abducted 42 students from a secondary school in Katsina State. The attackers demanded a ransom of 50 million naira and threatened to harm the students if their demands were not met. Security forces later rescued 28 of the students, but 14 remain unaccounted for.

    Similarly, on May 8, 2026, armed men kidnapped 15 travelers along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, a route that has become notorious for such attacks. The victims included women, children, and elderly passengers. Three of the victims were released after ransom payments, but the fate of the remaining 12 remains unknown.

    Government Response Under Scrutiny

    The Nigerian government has maintained that it is taking decisive action to address the kidnapping crisis. In a statement issued on May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Defence announced the deployment of additional troops to high-risk areas and the establishment of new security checkpoints along major highways.

    “The Nigerian Armed Forces are working tirelessly to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of all citizens. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency,” the statement read.

    However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient. Security expert Dr. Chidi Okafor, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, told Sele Media Africa that the government’s approach has been reactive rather than proactive.

    “The government is deploying troops after attacks have already occurred. What we need is a comprehensive strategy that includes intelligence gathering, community policing, and addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and unemployment,” Okafor said.

    Pan-African Implications of Nigeria’s Security Crisis

    Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis has significant implications for the broader West African region. The country’s porous borders and weak security infrastructure have allowed criminal networks to operate across national boundaries, fueling instability in neighboring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for regional cooperation to address the growing threat of transnational organized crime. In a communiqué issued on May 18, 2026, ECOWAS urged member states to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinate joint security operations.

    “The kidnapping crisis in Nigeria is not just a national problem; it is a regional security challenge that requires a collective response. We must work together to dismantle these criminal networks and protect our citizens,” the communiqué stated.

    The Role of Civil Society and Public Figures

    Bankole’s intervention highlights the growing role of public figures and civil society in holding the government accountable on security issues. In recent months, several Nigerian celebrities, including actors, musicians, and athletes, have used their platforms to call for action against insecurity.

    In March 2026, musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, launched a campaign to raise funds for the families of kidnapping victims. The campaign raised over 100 million naira and provided financial assistance to 200 families.

    Similarly, actor and activist Richard Mofe-Damijo has called for a national dialogue on security, urging the government to engage with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups, to develop a comprehensive security framework.

    Legal and Institutional Challenges

    The fight against kidnappings in Nigeria is also hampered by legal and institutional challenges. The judicial system is often slow and inefficient, with many cases dragging on for years. Victims and their families frequently face bureaucratic hurdles when seeking justice.

    In April 2026, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill to strengthen the legal framework for combating kidnapping. The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, proposes life imprisonment for convicted kidnappers and the forfeiture of assets acquired through ransom payments.

    However, legal experts have expressed concerns about the bill’s potential to violate human rights. Human rights lawyer Fatima Bello told Sele Media Africa that the bill’s provisions on asset forfeiture could be abused.

    “While we support efforts to combat kidnapping, we must ensure that any new legislation respects due process and protects the rights of all Nigerians. The government must not use this crisis as an excuse to trample on civil liberties,” Bello said.

    What Happens Next

    The Nigerian government is expected to release a comprehensive security plan in the coming weeks, outlining its strategy for addressing the kidnapping crisis. The plan is expected to include increased funding for security agencies, enhanced intelligence capabilities, and community engagement initiatives.

    In the meantime, citizens like Kehinde Bankole continue to call for urgent action. “We cannot afford to wait any longer. Every day that passes without decisive action is a day that more Nigerians are put at risk. The government must act now,” Bankole said.

    The international community is also watching closely. The United Nations has expressed concern over the situation in Nigeria and has offered technical assistance to support the government’s efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

    Sources

    • Punch Newspaper
    • Channels Television
    • The Guardian Nigeria
    • Ministry of Defence, Federal Republic of Nigeria
    • Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Communiqué, May 18, 2026
    • Interview with Dr. Chidi Okafor, University of Lagos
    • Interview with Fatima Bello, human rights lawyer