Nigerian military blames Boko Haram for school kidnappings in oyo state

The Nigerian Armed Forces confirmed on Thursday that an armed group linked to Boko Haram was responsible for the abduction of dozens of students and teachers in Oyo State, southern Nigeria.

A military spokesperson stated that members of the Jama’at Ahl al-Sunnah li-l-Da’awah wa al-Jihad (JAS), widely recognized as Boko Haram, carried out the attacks. Authorities believe the militants shifted their operations southward after facing intensified military pressure in the northern regions.

The violent incidents occurred last Friday in Yawota and Esiele, where heavily armed assailants stormed multiple schools. Discrepancies remain in the reported number of victims: the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) cites 39 children and seven teachers abducted, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde reports 25 students and seven teachers missing.

Security forces are actively searching for the kidnapped victims, ranging from 2 to 16 years old, along with their educators.

escalating threats in unexpected regions

While school kidnappings have become alarmingly common in northern Nigeria, such incidents are rare in Oyo State, where Ibadan serves as a major educational hub. The recent attacks highlight a concerning shift in jihadist activity toward southern regions.

military crackdown fuels displacement of militants

In response to rising violence, the Nigerian military, with assistance from US forces, has escalated operations against armed groups in the north. Military officials suggest this intensified pressure may have driven insurgents to relocate southward. Recent joint airstrikes in the northeast, a historical stronghold of Boko Haram, reportedly resulted in 175 militant casualties.

growing instability across the nation

Over recent months, armed groups have escalated attacks on both civilians and security personnel. Independent analysis indicates that Nigerian security forces suffered 306 fatalities in the first quarter of the year alone.