The Ogbomoso Descendants Development Association (ODDA) expresses profound grief, growing concern, and deep frustration over the continued captivity of innocent schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens abducted during the tragic attack on Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.
Today marks eight painful weeks since this tragedy began.
For eight weeks, families have endured sleepless nights. Parents have lived with unbearable anxiety. Husbands have waited in anguish. Children have longed for the embrace of their parents. Communities have prayed without ceasing, hoping that each passing day would bring the long-awaited news of freedom.
Yet the silence continues.
This tragedy is not merely a statistic. It is a humanitarian crisis that has left lasting emotional, psychological, social, and economic scars on families and communities throughout Ogbomosoland.
For ODDA, the pain is especially personal. Among those still being held is the wife of our member, Prof. Wole Alamu, alongside other innocent victims whose only “offence” was carrying out their lawful duties or pursuing their education.
We acknowledge and appreciate the commitment shown thus far by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE; the National Security Adviser; the Inspector General of Police; the Armed Forces; the Department of State Services; Amotekun; Operation Burst; local vigilantes; hunters; and every security operative risking his or her life in the ongoing rescue efforts.
We recognize that hostage-rescue operations are among the most delicate and complex security challenges any nation can face. We appreciate the professionalism and restraint required to protect innocent lives.
However, eight weeks is an extraordinarily long time for families to remain in uncertainty.
We therefore respectfully but passionately appeal for renewed urgency, sustained coordination, strengthened intelligence, and the deployment of every lawful resource available to secure the safe and unconditional release of every captive.
This is not the time for complacency.
This is not the time to allow public attention to drift elsewhere.
Every additional day in captivity compounds the suffering of innocent people and their families.
We also call upon traditional rulers, religious leaders, elected representatives, community leaders, civil society organisations, professional bodies, the media, and all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to keep this matter alive in the public conscience until every captive returns home safely.
We must not allow prolonged captivity to become normal.
A society is judged not only by the strength of its institutions but by the value it places on every human life.
ODDA equally urges Nigerians everywhere to continue supporting lawful rescue efforts through credible information, responsible public communication, fervent prayers, and solidarity with the affected families.
We stand resolutely with Prof. Wole Alamu and every family living through this painful ordeal.
Their burden is our burden.
Their tears are our tears.
Their hope is our hope.
We believe that no effort should be spared until every child, every teacher, and every other captive is safely reunited with their loved ones.
Our appeal is simple:
Bring our people home.
Safely.
Urgently.
Now.
May Almighty God protect the captives, grant wisdom and success to all security personnel, comfort every affected family, and restore peace to our communities.
Signed:
AVM (Dr.) JB Adigun (rtd)
Chairman
Ogbomoso Descendants Development Association (ODDA)
Announced by:Olusegun Kuti Aremu
Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Ogbomoso Descendants Development Association (ODDA)
