Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that seven teachers were abducted during the recent attack on schools in the Oriire area of the state, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the victims and uncover the full scale of the incident.
The governor disclosed this on Sunday while addressing journalists after a high-level security meeting held in Ibadan, where he received detailed briefings from service commanders and heads of various security agencies operating in the state.
The attack, which has thrown residents of Oriire Local Government Area into fear and uncertainty, occurred when suspected gunmen invaded schools within the community, causing panic among pupils, teachers and residents.
During the invasion, an Islamic Studies teacher was reportedly killed by the attackers, while several others were whisked away into the surrounding forests.
Makinde described the incident as painful and unacceptable, assuring residents that the state government would deploy every available resource to ensure the safe return of those abducted and bring the perpetrators to justice.
According to the governor, preliminary investigations confirmed that seven teachers were kidnapped during the attack. However, he noted that authorities were still working to determine the exact number of pupils who may have gone missing in the chaos that followed the invasion.
He explained that security operatives were conducting verification exercises with school authorities, parents and community leaders to establish accurate figures and avoid misinformation.
“The information available to us at the moment is that seven teachers were abducted. We are still trying to ascertain the number of pupils involved because there are conflicting reports from different sources,” the governor said.
Makinde further revealed that security agencies had already made significant progress in their investigations, leading to the arrest of six suspects within the community shortly after the incident. He added that three additional persons of interest had also been taken into custody for questioning over possible links to the attack.
The governor commended the swift response of security personnel, noting that intelligence gathering and coordinated operations had helped in tracking down individuals believed to have useful information about the crime.
He stressed that the arrests demonstrated the government’s determination to confront insecurity decisively and prevent criminal elements from establishing footholds in any part of the state.
Residents of Oriire and surrounding communities have continued to express shock over the attack, especially because schools are traditionally regarded as safe spaces for children and educators. Parents and guardians have reportedly rushed to schools in search of their children, while many residents fear the psychological impact the incident may have on pupils.
Community leaders in the area appealed to the government to strengthen security around schools, particularly in rural communities that are often vulnerable to attacks due to limited security presence.
The killing of the Islamic Studies teacher has also sparked grief among colleagues, students and residents, with many describing the deceased as a dedicated educator committed to the development of children in the community.
Makinde, while sympathising with the family of the slain teacher, promised that the state government would support them during the difficult period. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving security architecture across the state.
The governor disclosed that security agencies had intensified surveillance and search operations in strategic locations, including forests and suspected hideouts, in a bid to rescue the abducted victims unharmed.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue missions.
Makinde also warned against the spread of unverified information capable of creating panic among residents, stressing that the government would continue to provide updates as investigations progress.
The latest incident has renewed concerns about attacks on educational institutions in parts of the country, with stakeholders calling for stronger collaboration between governments, security agencies and local communities to protect schools from criminal activities.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that attacks on schools not only threaten lives but also disrupt education and create long-term fear among children, teachers and parents.
As rescue efforts continue, residents of Oyo State remain hopeful that the abducted teachers and any missing pupils will be found safely and reunited with their families.
