Social commentator and human rights advocate VeryDarkMan has called renewed attention to the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, expressing concern that the victims remain in captivity weeks after they were kidnapped.
In a video shared on social media, VeryDarkMan claimed that 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted in Orire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. He said the victims have now spent close to 50 days in captivity, leaving their families in continued distress.
He also alleged that the Oyo State Government paid a ransom in an effort to secure the victims’ release but claimed the abductors failed to free them despite the reported payment. The allegation has not been independently verified, and authorities have not confirmed that any ransom was paid.
VeryDarkMan recalled that concerned Nigerians staged a protest in Oyo State on June 17, demanding urgent government intervention. According to him, the state governor assured protesters that efforts were being made to rescue the victims, but they have yet to regain their freedom.
He said:
“It is alleged that the Oyo State Government paid a ransom to secure the release of the 39 children and seven teachers.
“Despite the alleged payment, the kidnappers still refused to release them. As of today, they have spent exactly 49 days in captivity.”
The activist also expressed concern that public attention appears to have shifted away from the incident, questioning whether enough was being done to rescue the victims.
He further claimed that many Nigerians believe security agencies are now more focused on preparations for the 2027 general elections than on the rescue operation, although he did not provide evidence to support the assertion.
Appealing to Nigerians not to forget the abducted children and teachers, he noted that some of the victims are under 10 years old, while others are even younger.
“Tomorrow marks 50 days since those children were taken into the bush. Some of them are less than 10 years old, while others are not even 4 years old.
“Are we really going to move on?”
“Yesterday, I got an information that the Oyo state government paid rans0m for the release of the 39 children and 7 teachers that was abduct£d by band!ts. It is said that after the government made the payment, the k!dnapp£rs still refused to release the children and teachers💔.… pic.twitter.com/e6TrQkBlLi
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) July 3, 2026
