Oyo School Attack: Seven Teachers Abducted, One Killed — Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that seven teachers were abducted during a recent attack on schools in the Oriire area, while the number of missing pupils is still being verified.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday about the security situation, Governor Makinde explained that he had received updates on the kidnapping from meetings with service commanders and heads of security agencies. He further revealed that an Islamic Studies teacher was killed in the attack, and that security forces had arrested six suspects from the community, along with three additional persons of interest.

Governor Makinde said that the attackers are suspected to be members of armed groups fleeing intensified military operations against terrorists and bandits in the North-West region of the country. “With the pressure on terrorists and bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward,” he noted, adding that he has been in contact with authorities in other states regarding the rising security threat.

Makinde warned that as terrorists are displaced from conflict zones, they may seek to exploit regions with weaker security. When there is pressure in one place, we must be ready here to either repel or neutralize any terrorists fleeing those areas, he said.

Preliminary intelligence reports suggest that some of those arrested may have acted as informants for the attackers. About six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some are believed to be informants, and three other individuals of interest have also been detained, Makinde stated.

The governor emphasized that the state government will not rely solely on military measures to resolve the crisis. He said that consultations are ongoing with religious and community leaders, including officials from the Baptist Convention, as one of the affected schools is owned by the church. “We have decided to adopt more than just a kinetic approach. We are engaging leaders, elders, and religious leaders, especially at the Baptist Convention.

Makinde urged residents to remain calm and assured the families of the abducted that efforts are underway to secure their safe return. We are not taking this lightly. We will do everything possible to resolve this quickly and bring our children back safely, he said.

Describing the situation as very difficult and challenging, Governor Makinde announced that the government will begin daily press briefings to keep residents informed about rescue operations and ongoing security efforts.