Kidnapped teachers plea Makinde for negotiation in disturbing video as abducted school staff say they have spent 13 days in captivity
A group of abducted school staff, including a principal and teachers whose identities were not immediately disclosed, appeared in a video released by suspected terrorists on Friday, May 29, 2026, in an undisclosed forest location, pleading for urgent government intervention as their captivity entered its 13th day.
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In the video, the kidnapped teachers made a desperate appeal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, urging him to consider negotiation with their captors in order to secure their release, saying they had endured days of hardship under harsh weather conditions.
kidnapped teachers plea Makinde message was delivered in visibly distressed circumstances, with the victims stating that they had remained in captivity alongside children for nearly two weeks, exposed to rain and intense heat without relief.
Speaking in the footage, one of the abductees said the group had been held “in the den” for 13 days, describing worsening conditions and urging authorities not to pursue a military confrontation with the armed group.
The emotional video, which has circulated widely, has sparked renewed concern over the rising wave of abductions targeting schools and rural communities, further intensifying pressure on authorities to strengthen security responses.
Security analysts say such videos are often used by armed groups to exert psychological pressure on governments and families, while also amplifying public fear during prolonged hostage situations.
Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the latest footage, but security sources indicate that efforts to locate and rescue the victims are ongoing.
The incident adds to a growing list of school-related kidnappings in parts of the country, raising urgent questions about safety in vulnerable communities and the effectiveness of existing rescue strategies.
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As the situation develops, families of the abducted teachers continue to wait anxiously for updates, while calls for a swift and safe resolution grow louder.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
