Fresh waves of violence in Oyo and Taraba states have heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in Nigeria, following the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and the continued deadly attacks on Christian communities in Taraba.
According to reports by Al-Jazeera, armed men on Friday, May 16, launched coordinated attacks on three schools in the Ahoro Esinele community of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers.
The attackers reportedly stormed one secondary school and two primary schools simultaneously, taking victims aged between two and 16 years old.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State, Elisha Olukayode Ogundiya, confirmed the incident and identified one of the affected schools as Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota.
CAN disclosed that a total of 46 persons were abducted during the attacks.
Reacting to the development, President Bola Tinubu condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric,” while assuring Nigerians that both federal and state authorities were working together to secure the release of the victims.
“We expect a breakthrough soon,” the Presidency stated.
However, the situation took a tragic turn after Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed by the kidnappers.
The governor said the government received video evidence indicating that the teacher was murdered while in captivity.
Makinde also disclosed that six suspects believed to be informants and logistics suppliers for the kidnappers had been arrested.
He further revealed that a joint rescue operation involving soldiers, police officers and local vigilante groups suffered setbacks after the attackers planted improvised explosive devices along access routes.
Several security operatives were reportedly injured during the operation and are currently receiving treatment.
While Oyo battles mass abduction, communities in Taraba State are facing another devastating humanitarian crisis linked to repeated attacks on villages and churches.
According to Vatican News, the Catholic Diocese of Wukari has recorded widespread destruction since September 2025 following persistent armed attacks across southern Taraba State.
Speaking after the diocese’s third General Assembly, Bishop Mark Maigida Nzukwein disclosed that more than 100 people have been killed, 217 churches destroyed, and over 98,000 residents displaced by the violence.
The bishop also revealed that the homes of eight priests had been attacked and looted, forcing at least 16 priests to flee affected communities.
Among the destroyed worship centres is Saint James the Great Catholic Church, which was attacked in March, while a fire incident severely damaged the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary earlier in the year.
The violence has reportedly affected communities in Chanchanji District of Takum Local Government Area as well as Ussa and Donga areas of the state.
Church leaders and residents alleged that armed Fulani herders were responsible for many of the attacks targeting predominantly Christian communities, especially Tiv settlements.
According to reports, attackers often destroy homes, churches and community structures before occupying abandoned lands, worsening long-standing tensions over land ownership between Tiv and Jukun communities in Taraba State.
The crisis has also disrupted farming activities, increasing fears of hunger and economic hardship among displaced families.
Earlier this year, Catholic clergy from the Dioceses of Wukari and Jalingo staged protests demanding urgent government intervention to stop the killings, kidnappings and destruction of communities.
At the time of the protest, reports indicated that more than 80 people had been killed and over 90,000 Christians displaced. Church leaders say the figures have continued to rise in recent months, leaving many communities devastated and desperate for protection.