A Nigerian mother has shared the harrowing yet heroic experience of her children after a shooting incident near their school forced them to flee home. Onikejulo Imisioluwa Olateju, whose children attend a school in Suleja, Niger State, recounted the events of June 10.
Mother recalls the moment of panic
According to Olateju, she was at home around midday when she heard a loud bang on her door and her son screaming for her. Rushing to open the door, she found her 14-year-old son outside but could not see his 3-year-old sister. When she asked where Michelle was, her son replied, “See her here,” and entered the house.
Son's quick thinking saves sister
Inside, the mother discovered that her son had hidden his sister under his school uniform, using his cardigan to tie her securely as he ran home. He explained that repeated gunshots were heard around their school area, prompting authorities to release the children to rush home before the situation escalated.
The emotional mother wrote: “This Afternoon around 12pm, I was in the room when I heard a loud bang and scream on the door 'Mummy open the door' it was my son, my heart went numb for a moment and my brain goes blank... I fly out of the room and rushed to open the door, i asked Yanmife where is Michelle he replied, see her here... Where because i no see my daughter but i trust him anyways.
“So apparently they heard a repeated gun shots around their school area, so all the school owners has to release the children to go before things went south, my son hid his sister under his school uniform and use his cardigan to tie her then hold her tightly while he pick race running home. (It was an emotional moment when he was untying himself to bring out his sister).
“Immediately Michelle was out, she said mummy we run. Ayo now keep me under his cloth and said Michelle don't talk ooo just keep quiet and hold me tight I want to tie you to myself.
“No school bag, no lunch box he just left everything and run.
“Is this the actual way to live? Ehn?”
The mother said the incident moved her to tears. Many who reacted to the post expressed concern over how insecurity has become normalised in Nigeria, with children unsafe even in schools. This comes as terrorists continue to target schools, kidnapping students. The latest incident occurred in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, where bandits kidnapped teachers and pupils. One of the teachers was beheaded while others remain in captivity with the children.
