Residents of Esin-Ele community in Oyo State have turned to traditional spirituality as pressure mounts over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by armed men along a rural route.
The community’s traditional ruler, Onisa of Esin-Ele, Muraina Mutairo, led public rites alongside hunters, worshippers, and local vigilantes on Monday. They called on ancestral deities to frustrate the kidnappers and secure the victims’ safe return.
“Our forefathers defended this land before modern security structures existed. We believe the gods of the land will expose those behind this evil and force them to release the children and teachers unharmed,” a community elder said.
Parents and relatives are traumatized as local security volunteers continue bush-combing operations across nearby forests suspected to harbour the kidnappers.
The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in rural parts of Oyo State. In 2024, suspected kidnappers also abducted travellers along the Oyo-Ogbomoso axis.
“The entire community is living in fear. We are appealing to the government and security agencies not to abandon these children and teachers,” another resident said.
As of Tuesday, authorities have yet to confirm the release of any victim.
The internet is reacting. One person wrote: “When government fails, people go back to their roots.” Another said: “This is sad. These children need to come home.” 😢
Someone else added: “Traditional rulers are doing their part. Where are the security agencies?”
What do you think can traditional rites help in this situation?
Muraina Mutairo, the Onisa of Esin Ele in Oyo State, was seen invoking the gods to go after the abdûctørs and ensure the safe return of the kidnåpp€d Ogbomoso school students and teachers.
Video credit: @thecableng pic.twitter.com/ZWoRGCDUfZ
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) May 19, 2026
