Residents of Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State received a wave of support and encouragement on Tuesday as the Director of the City Boy Movement in the state, Olufemi Onireti, donated medical equipment and healthcare supplies to the area following the recent abduction of teachers and pupils.
The visit, which combined humanitarian support with a message of solidarity, came weeks after armed attackers stormed several schools within the local government area, throwing the affected communities into fear and uncertainty. The attacks, which occurred on Friday, May 15, targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.
During the coordinated assaults, scores of teachers and pupils were reportedly abducted, sparking outrage and concern across Oyo State and beyond. Since the tragic incident, families of the victims and residents of the affected communities have been living in anxiety, praying for the safe return of their loved ones while calling on government authorities and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
Amid the emotional atmosphere in the community, Onireti arrived with a team of supporters and healthcare workers to distribute medical supplies aimed at improving access to healthcare services for residents who have been facing difficult conditions following the attacks. The donated items included hospital consumables, first aid materials, medical equipment, and other healthcare supplies intended to support local clinics and vulnerable residents in the area.
Addressing community leaders, parents, teachers, and residents during the visit, Onireti expressed deep sympathy for the pain and trauma experienced by the people since the abductions occurred. He said the purpose of the visit was not only to provide relief materials but also to reassure the people that they had not been abandoned during their difficult period.
According to him, the entire state shares in the pain of the affected families, adding that efforts were ongoing behind the scenes to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils. “We understand the fears and sadness in this community at this moment, but we want you to remain strong and hopeful. Government authorities and security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the victims regain their freedom safely,” he said.
Onireti further urged residents not to lose faith despite the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the incident. He encouraged them to continue supporting one another while remaining prayerful and cooperative with security agencies. He noted that incidents of insecurity should not destroy the unity and resilience of rural communities, stressing that collective support and vigilance would help communities overcome difficult situations.
The City Boy Movement director also commended local leaders, religious organisations, and volunteers who have continued to stand by the affected families since the attacks occurred. According to him, community solidarity remains essential in moments of crisis, especially in rural areas where residents often depend heavily on one another for emotional and social support.
Residents who received the medical items expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and encouraging during a period of fear and uncertainty. Some community members said healthcare services in the area had been under pressure following the attacks, as many families continued to struggle with emotional trauma, stress-related illnesses, and limited access to medical support.
A community elder who spoke during the event said the donation would help strengthen local health facilities while also reminding residents that people outside the community still cared about their welfare. Parents of some of the abducted pupils also attended the gathering, where prayers were offered for the safe return of the victims and for peace to return fully to the area.
The incident in Oriire Local Government Area had earlier triggered widespread concern across Oyo State, with many education stakeholders warning about the growing threat of insecurity facing schools in rural communities. Civil society groups and education advocates have repeatedly called for improved security around schools, especially in isolated areas where pupils and teachers are vulnerable to attacks by criminal gangs.
The abductions also renewed discussions about the need for stronger intelligence gathering, rapid emergency response systems, and increased deployment of security personnel to rural schools across the country. Despite the painful reality facing many families, Tuesday’s visit brought a brief sense of relief and hope to residents of Esinele community. For many of them, the donation represented more than medical assistance.
It was seen as a symbol of compassion, solidarity, and reassurance that their suffering had not been forgotten. As prayers and rescue efforts continue, residents remain hopeful that the abducted teachers and pupils will soon reunite with their families and that peace will once again return to the troubled communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
