The father of one of the pupils kidnapped from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Orire Local Government, Oyo State, has said his son is still struggling with the psychological effects of the abduction.
Armed bandits attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esienle, all in Oriire Local Government Area, on May 15, 2026. They kidnapped 39 pupils and six teachers.
The victims were freed on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.
After their release, they went to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital for medical and psychological checks before reuniting with their families.
Some victims and their families have shared their experiences and the trauma they are still facing.
One of the victims is a 2-year-old boy who spent 56 days in the forest without his parents. According to his father, Sikiru Abiodun, the boy is still struggling with psychological trauma.
“My son is showing some strange behaviours,” says Abiodun, who spoke in Yoruba.
“Before he was abducted, If he wanted to sleep, he would just go and sleep by himself. But since he came back, anytime he wants to sleep, he will start crying and he would not stop until we hug or carry him.”
Abiodun, who is a farmer in Yawota, said they also noticed something else.
“Anytime he’s doing something or wants something and we shout at him; he will start crying also. He was not like that before,” he said.
He however said they were happy to see their son again after spending 56 days in bandits’ captivity.
“We’re just happy that he came back alive because we had lost hope of seeing him again,” he stated.