Fear and confusion swept through communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday after heavily armed gunmen invaded two schools, abducted a school principal, several students and staff members, while killing a teacher during the violent attack.
The incident occurred in the Ahoro-Esinele area where the attackers reportedly stormed Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School in the early hours of the day, sending students, teachers and residents into panic. Witnesses said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and fired sporadically before whisking away their victims into a nearby forest.
Among those abducted was the Vice Principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe, alongside an unspecified number of pupils and students. Reports also indicated that the attackers killed an assistant headmaster identified as Mr Adesiyan during the operation. An okada rider was equally shot dead after allegedly resisting attempts by the gunmen to seize his motorcycle. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the attack and disclosed that a massive manhunt and rescue operation had already commenced. Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, personally led tactical operatives and other security agencies to the affected communities for on the spot assessment and operational coordination.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the attackers simultaneously invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and Community Grammar School/L.A Primary School in Esiele, targeting both students and school workers. Authorities, however, stated that no student had been confirmed dead at the time of filing the reports.
The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board described the incident as a tragic and painful moment for the education sector in the state. The Executive Chairman of the board, Dr Nureni Adeniran, expressed sorrow over the killing of the teacher and the abduction of innocent pupils and staff members. He appealed to residents and parents to remain calm while security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the victims safely.
The attack has once again raised serious concerns about worsening insecurity and repeated attacks on schools across parts of Nigeria. Residents of the affected communities have called on both the federal and state governments to strengthen security around schools and rural communities to prevent further tragedies.
