The Oyo State Police Command has begun an extensive search operation after suspected armed kidnappers invaded several schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting pupils, students, and members of staff.
The attacks were said to have taken place in the early hours of Friday, with the assailants storming Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota alongside Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School located in the Esiele community.
Police authorities disclosed that the gunmen, who reportedly rode motorcycles, carried out simultaneous operations in the affected schools and nearby settlements. During the attacks, an unspecified number of schoolchildren and staff members were whisked away, including the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, stated that no pupil or student had been confirmed dead at the time the report was filed.
He said, “Preliminary investigation reveals that the assailants, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota as well as Community Grammar School/L.A Primary School, Esiele, abducting some pupils, students and staff members including the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe.”
The command, however, confirmed the killing of an Assistant Headmaster identified simply as Mr. Adesiyan during the violent attack.
“Sadly, one Assistant Headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan was killed during the attack,” Olayinka stated.
In another related incident, an okada rider was allegedly shot dead after he resisted attempts by the attackers to dispossess him of his motorcycle.
Police further revealed that the abductors fled with a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted Vice Principal before later setting the vehicle ablaze on a route leading into the forest.
“The attackers, after abducting some victims, also took away a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal and later set the vehicle ablaze along the road leading to the forest,” the statement added.
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reportedly visited the affected communities alongside other security chiefs to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and coordinate response efforts.
According to the police spokesperson, tactical squads, intelligence units, and operational resources have since been mobilised to restore order, secure the release of the victims, and track down those behind the attacks.
The command also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by volunteering credible information that could assist ongoing rescue and investigation efforts.
“The Command assures residents that intensive operations are ongoing and urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and supportive by providing timely and credible information that could aid the investigation and rescue efforts,” Olayinka said.
