‘Take Me Instead’: Husband of Abducted Oyo Teacher Begs Kidnappers to Free Wife, 18-Month-Old Baby as Slain Teacher Is Buried Today
The husband of Mary Akanbi, one of the teachers abducted during last Friday’s attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has made an emotional appeal to the kidnappers to release his wife and their 18-month-old baby while taking him instead.
The distraught husband made the plea in a viral video taken from an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, who visited Ogbomoso days after the abduction.
Gunmen had attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Oriire LGA, abducting pupils, teachers, and school officials.
At least two persons were reportedly killed during the attacks, while no fewer than 45 schoolchildren, alongside a principal and several teachers, were abducted.
One of the abducted teachers, identified as Adesiyan Adegboye, who was later killed by the kidnappers, is being laid to rest today in Ogbomoso amid widespread grief across the state.
In an emotional appeal, the husband of the abducted teacher said:
“I will gladly give myself to them for the sake of my wife and my child. Let them free my wife and my child and just take me instead.
“I am in the exact community where my family was taken. Let them come for me instead. They have taken everything; they have ruined my life.”
Earlier, one of the abducted teachers had also appeared in a viral video appealing to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and secure the release of the kidnapped victims.
President Bola Tinubu had condemned the abduction and the reported killing of one of the teachers, describing the incident as barbaric and assuring Nigerians that rescue operations were ongoing.
“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community,” the President said.
He also sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde and the affected families, while commending security agencies for their swift intervention.
According to the President, the Federal Government is working closely with the Oyo State Government, the Inspector-General of Police, and tactical intelligence teams to ensure the safe rescue of all victims.