Fresh details have emerged from the deadly kidnapping crisis in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where families are now mourning not only abducted victims but also residents who died while trying to rescue them.
The painful revelation came after media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo visited affected communities including Yawota, Alawusa and Ahoro-Esinele. During the visit, grieving families shared emotional stories about the hidden losses linked to the attack.
According to reports, more than 45 schoolchildren, teachers and residents were abducted by armed men during the invasion. However, another tragedy reportedly unfolded when local volunteers joined hunters and security operatives to rescue the victims trapped inside the forest.
One grieving resident narrated how his younger brother, identified as Shuaibu Adigun, lost his life during the dangerous rescue mission.
“Yes, I lost my junior brother there,” the man said emotionally. “He went there with the hunters and security men. They bombed him.”
The victim reportedly knew the forest terrain well and volunteered to support the rescue efforts. Meanwhile, the operation reportedly turned deadly after the team encountered explosives hidden inside the forest.
“Among the rescuers, as they were planning to rescue people, they were bombed,” he explained. “They have bombs there. They have sophisticated guns, weapons.”
According to reports, Shuaibu Adigun was not among those kidnapped during the attack. Instead, he reportedly joined the mission because he wanted to help save children and neighbours taken from their homes.
Sadly, sources claimed his body had still not been recovered days after the incident. The late volunteer reportedly worked with one of the national parks before his death.
Family members said he left behind two wives and four children, who are now struggling with the painful loss. In addition, community members described him as brave and dedicated to protecting others.
Chude Jideonwo, who visited the affected areas, described the situation as one of the untold tragedies hidden behind the kidnapping crisis.
“Apart from the 46 people that were recorded, there are people like his brother who were killed because they were trying to rescue the kids who were kidnapped,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chude explained that he travelled to the communities because many victims were gradually becoming forgotten statistics. He urged families to continue speaking about their loved ones and sharing their stories.
According to him, every victim represents a real person, a grieving family and a frightened community struggling to survive.
Furthermore, residents said fear still hangs heavily over the affected communities. Many parents reportedly remain worried about the safety of their children and families.
Security concerns have continued to grow after reports claimed the armed men used explosives and sophisticated weapons during the attack.
