“They Set Fire to Their Bodies” – Photos Show Oyo School Children Beaten, Burned with Hot Plastic as Government Promises Rescue

“They Set Fire to Their Bodies” – Photos Show Oyo School Children Beaten, Burned with Hot Plastic as Government Promises Rescue

Disturbing images and videos have emerged online showing schoolchildren kidnapped in Oyo State being tortured by their captors. The government says help is coming, but many are asking how long the children must wait.

The trouble began on the morning of May 15, 2026. Heavily armed bandits on motorcycles stormed three different schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The targets were Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, First Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, and L.A. Primary School.

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According to official numbers, 32 people were taken — 18 primary school pupils, seven secondary school students, and seven teachers. But people living in the affected communities insist the real figure is higher. Some put the number at 46.

Among those dragged away are a two-year-old toddler, a high school principal named Mrs. Rachael Alamu, and a nursing mother.

Tragedy struck early in the ordeal. Michael Oyedokun, who worked as a mathematics teacher and assistant headmaster at one of the schools, was killed by the bandits not long after the abduction.

What has come to light since then has only made things worse.

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Videos now making the rounds on social media show the kidnapped children being beaten with sticks and canes. But there is something more troubling. In one clip, a kidnapper whose face is clearly uncovered is seen holding a plastic jerry can. He sets it on fire and uses the melting liquid to burn the children’s bodies.

The images are graphic. The children can be seen crying and trying to pull away. The kidnapper does not stop.

Another photo shows a child with fresh burns on the arm. The melted plastic appears to have stuck to the skin.

The Nigerian government has released a statement saying a rescue team has been sent to the area. Officials say efforts are ongoing and the children will be brought home.

But families are losing hope. One parent who spoke to reporters broke down while asking why it is taking so long. “These are toddlers,” she said. “They cannot defend themselves.”

The bandits carried out their attack during morning hours when children were settling into their classrooms. Witnesses said the gunmen moved quickly from one school to another, rounding up pupils and teachers before escaping into nearby bushes.

Local hunters and vigilantes have joined the search, but rough terrain and the number of captives have made the operation difficult.

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So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction. No ransom demand has been made public either.

But with new videos showing children being tortured, many are calling on security agencies to speed up their rescue efforts before more lives are lost.

As of Friday evening, there was no official update on the whereabouts of the captives.

“They Set Fire to Their Bodies” – Photos Show Oyo School Children Beaten, Burned with Hot Plastic as Government Promises Rescue.