My 2-Year-Old Son Was Never the Same After 56 Days With Bandits” – Father’s Heartbreaking Story

Father of one of the abducted pupils of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota in Orire Local Government of Oyo State has revealed that his son is still suffering from the effects of the abduction.

Armed bandits attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, in Oriire LGA on May 15, 2026, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.

The victims regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.

They were taken to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital for medical evaluation and psychological assessment before they were reunited with their families.

THE WHISTLER visited Yawota to speak with some of the victims and their families.

A 2-year-old boy who also spent 56 days in the forest away from his parents is still traumatised psychologically, according to Sikiru Abiodun, his father.

“My son is showing some strange behaviours,” says Abiodun, who spoke in Yoruba.

“Before he was abducted, If he wanted to sleep, he would just go and sleep by himself. But since he came back, anytime he wants to sleep, he will start crying and he would not stop until we hug or carry him.”

Abiodun, who is a farmer in Yawota, said they also noticed something else.

“Anytime he’s doing something or wants something and we shout at him; he will start crying also. He was not like that before,” he said.

He however said they were happy to see their son again after spending 56 days in bandits’ captivity.

“We’re just happy that he came back alive because we had lost hope of seeing him again,” he stated.