Gunmen on Friday invaded Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting the principal of a secondary school and an unspecified number of students in a brazen attack.
The incident occurred between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, according to the Oyo State Police Command.
Confirming the attack in a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the armed men stormed the school premises and whisked away the principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, alongside several students whose exact number had yet to be ascertained.
According to the police, a resident who reported the incident also disclosed that one of the teachers was shot during the attack, although the extent of the injury could not be immediately confirmed.
The gunmen were said to have fled the scene with the principal in her vehicle before escaping into a forest reserve bordering the community.
Residents of the area reportedly told authorities that the nearest police station is located far from the community, a situation that delayed an immediate security response.
The Oyo State Police Command said the Commissioner of Police has since deployed tactical teams and other security personnel to the area for assessment, rescue operations, and efforts to track down the abductors.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing, with more details expected as the operation unfolds.
