The abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State is the latest chapter in a troubling pattern of attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria. More than a decade after the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction shocked the world, schools continue to face threats from terrorists, bandits, and criminal groups.
2014: Chibok Schoolgirls Abduction
On April 14, 2014, Boko Haram militants attacked Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, and abducted 276 schoolgirls preparing for examinations.
The incident attracted global attention through the #BringBackOurGirls campaign and remains one of the most notorious school abductions in modern history. While many of the girls were later rescued or released, some remained unaccounted for years later.
2018: Dapchi Schoolgirls Abduction
On February 19, 2018, insurgents attacked Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, abducting 110 schoolgirls.
Most of the girls were later returned, but one student, Leah Sharibu, remained in captivity after reportedly refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
2020: Kankara Boys Abduction
On December 11, 2020, armed bandits attacked Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State.
A total of 344 students were abducted, marking the beginning of a new wave of mass school kidnappings by bandit groups in northwestern Nigeria.
The students were released several days later following negotiations.
2021: The Year of Mass School Kidnappings
The year 2021 witnessed an alarming escalation in attacks on schools.
Kagara, Niger State
On February 17, armed men invaded Government Science College, Kagara, abducting 27 students, three staff members and several family members.
Jangebe, Zamfara State
On February 26, 279 schoolgirls were abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe.
Afaka, Kaduna State
On March 11, bandits attacked the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, abducting 39 students.
Greenfield University, Kaduna
On April 20, 2021, 20 students and two staff members were abducted from the university.
Tegina, Niger State
On May 30, armed men kidnapped approximately 136 pupils from an Islamic school in Tegina.
Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna
On July 5, more than 120 students were abducted from the school.
2022–2025: Continued Threats
Although security operations reduced the frequency of large-scale school kidnappings in some regions, attacks on educational institutions and surrounding communities continued.
Schools increasingly invested in security measures, but concerns remained high, particularly in rural communities.
2026: New Concerns Emerge
The attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State demonstrates that the threat has not disappeared.
Reports indicate that approximately 46 pupils, teachers and school staff were abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in the area on May 15, 2026.
The incident has renewed concerns about school safety, particularly as it occurred outside the regions traditionally associated with mass school kidnappings.
The Numbers
Since the Chibok abduction in 2014, more than 2,400 students have reportedly been abducted in at least two dozen major school attacks across Nigeria.
The figures reveal a disturbing reality: schools have become recurring targets for criminal groups seeking ransom, publicity, or leverage.
The Bigger Question
The Oriire incident is not simply another security story. It is a reminder that every attack on a school threatens children’s right to education and undermines public confidence in the country’s educational system.
More than a decade after Chibok, Nigerians continue to ask a difficult question: when will schools become safe places for learning once again?Note: The exact number abducted in some incidents varies slightly across official and media reports, but the timeline above reflects the figures most widely reported at the time of each attack.
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