Tension has intensified across Oyo State following the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during the recent invasion of schools in Oriire Local Government Area, as Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the development and announced the arrest of multiple suspects linked to the attack.
The tragic development has heightened fear among residents of the Ahoro-Esinele community, where gunmen stormed schools on Friday and abducted teachers and pupils in what authorities described as a coordinated terrorist attack.
Community sources had earlier disclosed that one of the kidnapped teachers was allegedly murdered while in captivity, a claim that has now been officially confirmed by the state government. Governor Makinde revealed that the slain victim was believed to be a Mathematics teacher, describing the incident as heartbreaking and extending condolences to the affected families.
The abduction occurred when heavily armed men, reportedly riding motorcycles, invaded Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, whisking away dozens of victims during the raids.
Initial reports from the community indicated that as many as 46 persons were kidnapped, including seven teachers and 39 pupils and students. Among the teachers earlier identified as missing were Mrs Alamu Folawe, principal of Community High School; Mr Ojo Jonathan, vice principal; Mr Olatunde Zacchaeus; Mr John Olaleye; Mr Michael Oyedokun; Mrs Oladeji; and Mary Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
Villagers also alleged that the attackers escaped with four motorcycles during the operation.
The situation drew nationwide attention after a distress video surfaced online showing Mrs Folawe appealing to the Federal Government, the state government, and well-meaning Nigerians to help secure the release of the abducted victims without the use of force.
Speaking to correspondents at his Kolapo Ishola residence in Ibadan after a high-level security review, Governor Makinde assured residents that his administration had moved into a new phase of coordinated and sustained security operations aimed at rescuing the victims and dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
He stated that the government was working round the clock with security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers, stressing that the crisis would be confronted decisively.
Makinde disclosed that security operatives suffered casualties during rescue efforts, revealing that an operative of Amotekun Corps was in critical condition, while soldiers, hunters, and other operatives sustained injuries after the rescue team encountered improvised explosive devices during operations.
The governor said the state had broadened its response beyond military action, noting that traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and the Baptist Convention were actively participating in consultations aimed at resolving the crisis.
As part of intensified investigations, Makinde confirmed that six suspects had been arrested within the affected locality over alleged links to the attack, with additional persons of interest also taken into custody by other security outfits. Some of those arrested, he said, were believed to be informants and logistics suppliers for the attackers.
He warned that criminal groups displaced by intensified military operations in northern parts of the country were increasingly moving southward, stressing the need for sustained regional collaboration and permanent security presence to prevent recurring attacks.
The governor also announced that the state government would begin daily security briefings as search-and-rescue efforts continue, while a full audit of school attendance registers is expected to determine the exact number of victims still in captivity.
Makinde reaffirmed that his administration would sustain pressure on the abductors until all victims are rescued and normalcy is fully restored across the affected communities.
