More than 284 serving and retired lecturers from the University of Ibadan (UI) have donated about ₦6 million to teachers, pupils and families who lost loved ones during the May 15 terrorist attack and abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
On May 15, 2026, terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro Esinele and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro Esinele. During the attacks, 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped.
Two of the teachers were later killed while in captivity, while the remaining 44 victims were rescued on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.
To support the victims and their families, the UI scholars raised the ₦6 million through voluntary donations.
The money was presented on Wednesday at the Office of the Inspector General of Education in Ogbomoso Zone. Those who contributed include 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 younger academics.
Chairman of the University of Ibadan Ad Hoc Committee on Support for Oriire Rescued Abductees, Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola, led the delegation. He said the donation showed that the university community stood with the victims and wanted to help them recover from the traumatic experience.
Other members of the delegation included Prof. Akinola Odebunmi, Prof. Adenike Emeke, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, Prof. Aina Adeogun, Dr. Cecilia Omowumi Oguntoye, Dr. Folorunso Eyitayo and Mr. Segun Ekundayo.
Ayoola said the donation was meant to support the ongoing rehabilitation of the rescued pupils and teachers while reminding them that they had not been forgotten.
He described the event as both sad and hopeful.
“Our gathering today reminds us of the security challenges facing the country, but it also celebrates the victory of humanity over terror,” he said.
According to him, although the victims had regained their freedom, many were still dealing with emotional and psychological trauma.
He said they would continue to need emotional, educational and financial support to rebuild their lives.
Ayoola praised the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and security agencies for working together to secure the release of the abductees.
He specifically commended the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy Special Forces, Nigerian Air Force Special Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre for their roles in the rescue mission.
He also thanked the National Assembly, especially the Senate, for providing financial assistance to the bereaved families and security personnel affected by the incident.
Ayoola called on Nigerians both at home and abroad to continue supporting the victims. He said helping them recover was a shared responsibility.
He also urged citizens to remain alert, strengthen community intelligence and work closely with security agencies to fight terrorism and other violent crimes.
The Inspector General of Education for Ogbomoso Zone, Mr. Olubunmi Biodun Adisa, described the donation as a remarkable act of kindness and social responsibility.
He said the lecturers had strengthened the relationship between the university and the community through their humanitarian support.
The donation was officially presented 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.
Speaking during the presentation, Prof. Babalola told the beneficiaries that the university community shared in their pain and joy.
“We are standing with you to let you know that you are not alone. We are happy that you returned safely and pray that God continues to strengthen you,” she said.
Prof. Emeke described the donation as a symbol of love and concern from the university community, while Prof.
Adeogun praised the courage shown by the school principal and teachers throughout the ordeal. He also prayed for comfort for the families of those who died.
Some of the rescued pupils and teachers shared emotional stories about their time in captivity and thanked the donors for their support.
The school principal, Mrs. Racheal Alamu, described the donation as timely and encouraging.
The leader of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Oriire Local Government Area, Saka Waheed Aribidesi, revealed that two vigilante members lost their lives during the rescue operation.
A parent of one of the rescued pupils, Mr. Abiodun Sikiru, also thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the University of Ibadan lecturers and other supporters for standing by the affected families. He described the donation as a source of hope for the victims and their loved ones.
