Gunmen have 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.
The incident, according to the Oyo State Police Command, occurred between 8:00 am and 9:00 am on Friday at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.
Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement on Friday, said the attackers stormed the school premises and whisked away students whose number is yet to be confirmed, alongside the school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu.
According to him, a resident reported that the gunmen also shot a teacher during the attack.
According to the report, the gunmen fled the scene with the principal in her vehicle and escaped into a forest reserve bordering the community.
The police command stated that the Commissioner of Police had deployed officers to the area for assessment and rescue operations.
Oyo SUBEB reaction
The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, expresses profound sorrow and deep concern over the unfortunate attack on LA School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire LGUBEA, which resulted in the killing of a teacher and the kidnapping of some pupils.
This is a dark and painful moment for our education family in Oyo State, and our hearts are with the affected parents, teachers, and the entire community.
As we speak, the accurate number of pupils kidnapped is yet to be ascertained, as security agencies continue to comb the affected areas and establish full details of the incident.
We understand the fear and anxiety this situation has caused, and we want to assure our parents and stakeholders that the safety of our children remains our utmost priority.
I, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, in collaboration with the Honourable Commissioner for Education, wish to reassure the public that security operatives, under the direct coordination of the Commissioner of Police, are fully on top of the situation.
A tactical response team has been deployed, and all necessary intelligence and operational measures are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the pupils and to restore peace to the community.
In the interest of safety, the Board has directed all primary schools in neighbouring communities, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire, and Olorunsogo, to immediately vacate their schools until further notice.
This temporary measure is to prevent any secondary incidents and to allow security agencies to thoroughly stabilise the area.
We appeal to parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain calm and prayerful. We understand your pain.
We understand your fears. But we want to reassure you, your children will not be abandoned, and this government will not rest until every child is safely returned.
The Board is in constant communication with security agencies, and updates will be shared as new information emerges.
At this trying time, let us stand together as one united community. We mourn with the families of the teacher whose life was tragically cut short.
His service, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
We call for cooperation, vigilance, and the avoidance of unverified information that may cause further panic.
OYOSUBEB remains committed to protecting the lives of every child in our care.
