More than 284 serving and retired academics of the University of Ibadan (UI) have donated about ₦6 million to teachers, pupils and bereaved families affected by the May 15 terrorist attack and abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, in a major humanitarian intervention aimed at supporting the victims’ rehabilitation.
It would be recalled that, on May 15, 2026, a total of 46 people, consisting of 39 students and seven teachers, were kidnapped when terrorists simultaneously raided Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community High School (Ahoro-Esinele), and L.A. Primary School (Ahoro-Esinele) in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Two of the abducted teachers were later killed in captivity. The 44 remaining abductees were rescued on July 10, 2026.
In their bid to support the rescued teachers and students as well as those who lost loved ones, the UI scholars contributed the sum.
The donation, presented on Wednesday at the Office of the Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone, was raised through voluntary contributions by former vice-chancellors, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Prof. Jonathan Babalola, professors and early-career academics.
Leading the delegation, Chairman of the University of Ibadan Ad Hoc Committee on Support for Oriire Rescued Abductees, Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola, said the intervention reflected the academic community’s solidarity with the victims, who spent 56 harrowing days in captivity after terrorists abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities.
The delegation included Prof. Akinola Odebunmi, Prof. Adenike Emeke, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, Prof. Aina Adeogun, Dr. Cecilia Omowumi Oguntoye, Dr. Folorunso Eyitayo, Mr. Segun Ekundayo and other scholars.
Describing the occasion as both solemn and hopeful, Ayoola said the donation was intended to complement ongoing rehabilitation efforts while reassuring the survivors that they had not been forgotten.
“Our gathering today is both sombre and celebratory. It reminds us of the insecurity confronting our nation, but it also celebrates the triumph of humanity over terror,” he said.
He noted that although the abductees had regained their freedom, many continued to grapple with psychological trauma, stressing that sustained emotional, educational and financial support would be required to help them rebuild their lives.
Ayoola commended the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and security agencies for their coordinated efforts that led to the rescue of the victims.
He specifically praised the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy Special Forces, Nigerian Air Force Special Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) for their roles in the rescue operation.
He also acknowledged the intervention of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for providing financial assistance to bereaved families and security personnel affected by the incident.
While urging Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to support the victims, Ayoola stressed that their rehabilitation remained a collective responsibility.
He also called on citizens to remain vigilant, strengthen community-based intelligence and collaborate with security agencies to combat terrorism and other violent crimes.
Earlier, the Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone, Mr. Olubunmi Biodun Adisa, described the gesture as a remarkable demonstration of compassion and social responsibility.
“The academic staff of the University of Ibadan have redefined the relationship between the town and the gown. You have set another pace in humanitarian service. With this gesture, there is hope for Nigeria,” he said.
The symbolic presentation was made by Prof. Adenike Emeke, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola and Prof. Aina Adeogun to the rescued teachers, pupils and widows of those who lost their lives during the attack.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Prof. Babalola said the donation conveyed the academic community’s empathy and solidarity.
“We are standing with you to let you know that you are not alone. We rejoice over your safe return and pray that God will continue to strengthen you,” she said.
Prof. Emeke described the donation as a demonstration of shared humanity, urging the beneficiaries to accept it as a token of the love and concern of the university community.
Also speaking, Prof. Adeogun commended the resilience of the principal and teachers throughout the ordeal and prayed for divine comfort for families who lost loved ones.
“We thank God for preserving your lives. We also appreciate the principal for standing as both a mother and a father during this difficult period,” he said.
Some of the rescued pupils and teachers gave emotional testimonies of their experiences in captivity and expressed gratitude to the donors for standing with them.
The school principal, Mrs. Racheal Alamu, thanked the academics for the intervention, describing it as timely and deeply encouraging.
Leader of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) in Oriire Local Government Area, Saka Waheed Aribidesi, disclosed that two of his men were killed during the rescue operation.
A parent of one of the rescued pupils, Mr. Abiodun Sikiru, also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the University of Ibadan academics and other stakeholders for their support, describing the donation as a beacon of hope for the affected families.
