The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has deployed additional detectives from the Force Headquarters in Abuja to strengthen ongoing rescue operations for teachers and students abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The move is part of intensified efforts by security agencies to ensure the safe release of the victims who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in the area last Friday.
An informed police source disclosed in Ibadan on Tuesday that the newly deployed detectives would work closely with joint security teams already operating in the affected communities.
According to the source, the reinforcement underscores the seriousness with which the police leadership and the government are treating the incident.
“More detectives have been deployed from the Force Headquarters to collaborate with the joint security operatives already on the ground,” the source stated.
“The kidnapped students and their teachers will soon breathe the air of freedom as the government and the relevant security agencies are leaving no stone unturned.
“The security agencies will explore all opportunities to ensure that the students return safely to their parents. There is no cause for the parents and the people of the state to be apprehensive as the government is on top of the situation.”
The abduction has triggered widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond following reports that armed attackers stormed several schools in Oriire Local Government Area during school hours.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Friday when the gunmen reportedly launched coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele.
The attackers reportedly invaded the schools, causing panic among pupils, teachers and residents before whisking away several victims into nearby bush paths.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed details of the incident, revealing that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 children and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School.
The governor also disclosed that one person lost his life during the attack, further deepening fears among residents of the affected communities.
The coordinated nature of the abductions has once again drawn attention to growing concerns about insecurity in schools and rural communities across parts of the country.
Parents and guardians of the victims have continued to express anxiety over the safety of the abducted children and teachers, while residents have appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
Security operatives, including police personnel, local vigilantes and other joint task force members, are said to be combing forests and surrounding areas in search of the abductors and their captives.
Sources familiar with the operations indicated that intelligence gathering and surveillance activities have also been stepped up to track the movements of the kidnappers.
The deployment of additional detectives from Abuja is believed to be aimed at boosting investigative capacity and improving coordination among security teams involved in the operation.
Police authorities have not publicly disclosed specific operational strategies being adopted, but officials insist that all available resources are being mobilised to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over the security of schools, particularly in rural areas where institutions often lack adequate protection against armed attacks.
Education stakeholders and civil society groups have called for stronger security measures around schools to prevent future incidents capable of disrupting learning and endangering lives.
Many residents in Oriire Local Government Area have reportedly become fearful following the attacks, with concerns growing over the safety of children attending schools in remote communities.
Some parents were said to have temporarily withdrawn their children from school pending improvements in security arrangements.
Analysts say attacks on schools not only create fear among communities but also threaten educational development by discouraging attendance and destabilising academic activities.
The abduction in Oyo State comes amid continuing national efforts to address kidnapping, banditry and violent crimes affecting different parts of the country.
Authorities have repeatedly assured Nigerians that security agencies remain committed to tackling criminal activities and restoring public confidence in safety measures.
Governor Makinde has also assured residents that the state government is working closely with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims and prevent further attacks.
The governor urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives by providing useful information that could aid rescue operations.
Community leaders and religious organisations in the affected areas have meanwhile organised prayers and support efforts for the families of the victims as hopes remain high for their safe return.
As rescue operations continue, attention remains focused on the ability of security agencies to bring the abducted teachers and students back safely and reassure anxious communities across the state.
