Oyo School Attack: Seven Teachers Abducted, One Killed – Governor Makinde

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that seven teachers were abducted and one killed during a recent attack on schools in the Oriire area of the state. The governor also stated that authorities are still working to ascertain the exact number of pupils missing from the affected schools.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday after an emergency security meeting with service commanders and heads of security agencies, Makinde disclosed that the deceased victim was an Islamic Studies teacher. He added that security operatives have so far arrested six suspects from the local community, as well as three other persons of interest in connection with the incident.

According to preliminary intelligence reports, some of those arrested are believed to have acted as informants for the attackers.

The governor attributed the assault to armed groups fleeing intensified military operations against terrorists and bandits in the North-West region. He warned that as pressure mounts on criminal elements in the north, they are likely to move southward, taking advantage of areas with weak security presence.

Makinde noted that he has been engaging with authorities in other states to address the growing threat. He stressed that the state government will not rely solely on military action, adding that consultations are ongoing with religious and community leaders, including officials of the Baptist Convention, since one of the attacked schools is church-owned.

The governor appealed for calm and assured families of the abducted victims that every effort is being made to secure their safe return.

He described the situation as “very difficult and challenging” and announced that the state government will begin daily press briefings to keep residents updated on rescue operations.