56 days in captivity changed my two-year-old son — Father

The father of a two-year-old boy abducted by bandits from a primary school in Oyo State has said his son is still showing signs of psychological trauma weeks after regaining freedom.

The child was among 39 pupils and six teachers kidnapped when armed bandits attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.

The victims were released on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity. They were later taken to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital for medical evaluation and psychological assessment before reuniting with their families.

Speaking to THE WHISTLER, the boy’s father, Sikiru Abiodun, said his son had not been the same since returning home.

“My son is showing some strange behaviours,” Abiodun said 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 starts crying and won’t stop until we hug or carry him.”

The farmer also said the child now becomes unusually distressed whenever he is scolded.

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

Despite the changes in his son’s behaviour, Abiodun said the family remained grateful that the boy returned alive.

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