Schools shut in parts of Oyo after gunmen killed teacher, abducted students

By Ibukun Emiola

The Executive Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) Dr Nureni Adeniran has confirmed killing of a teacher and abduction of some pupils at LA School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

He also confirmed that the board had directed the closure of the school and all other primary schools in neighbouring communities, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire and Olorunsogo until further notice.

However, in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, Adeniran said the exact number of abducted pupils are yet to be ascertained as security agencies were still combing the affected areas and gathering details of the incident.

“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.

“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,” he said.

The OYOSUBEB chairman said that security operatives, under the coordination of the Commissioner of Police, had deployed a tactical response team to the area.

According to him, intelligence and operational measures are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and restore peace to the community.

He explained that the temporary closure was aimed at preventing further attacks and allowing security agencies to stabilise situation in the area.

The chairman appealed to parents, guardians and community leaders to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

“We mourn with the family of the teacher whose life was tragically cut short. His service, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said.

Adeniran also urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic among the public.

He reiterated the board’s commitment to the safety and protection of pupils across the state.

The attackers, according to a source, invaded the community on Friday at around 8.00 a.m., storming the Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.

The source further said that the school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, and some students were abducted during the attack, while a teacher was also shot.

The source said that the gunmen fled the scene with the principal’s vehicle and escaped with the abductees into a forest reserve bordering the community.

Meanwhile, Oyo State State Commissioner of Police (CP), Abimbola Olugbenga, is said to be heading to Ahoro-Esinele, following the incident.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday to confirm the attack on the community at Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Olayinka said the number of residents abducted was, however, yet to be ascertained.

“There was an attack, and the Commissioner of Police is on his way to the scene; details soon, please,” he said.