Fresh details have emerged over the deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following a security briefing by Governor Seyi Makinde, who described the incident as part of a growing security threat linked to armed groups fleeing military pressure in Northern Nigeria.
The governor, while addressing journalists after meeting with service commanders and heads of security agencies, confirmed that seven teachers were abducted during the invasion, while the exact number of missing pupils was still being determined as rescue and verification efforts continued.
Makinde also disclosed that an Islamic Studies teacher was killed during the attack, further deepening concerns over the worsening security situation around schools and rural communities in the state.
Here are the major revelations and developments disclosed by the governor regarding the attack:
Seven Teachers Abducted
The governor confirmed that seven teachers were kidnapped when suspected gunmen invaded schools in the Oriire axis of Oyo State.
According to him, security agencies are still compiling accurate information regarding the total number of affected pupils and victims.
Number of Missing Pupils Still Unclear
Makinde stated that authorities were still working to establish the exact number of pupils missing after the attack, noting that investigations and rescue operations were ongoing.
The uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of some pupils has heightened fears among parents and residents within the affected communities.
One Teacher Killed During the Attack
The governor revealed that an Islamic Studies teacher lost his life during the invasion by the attackers.
The killing has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the vulnerability of schools to armed attacks.
Security Agencies Arrest Six Suspects
Makinde disclosed that six suspects had already been arrested within the affected locality in connection with the attack.
The arrests, according to him, followed intelligence and security operations launched immediately after the incident.
Three Persons of Interest Also Detained
Beyond the initial arrests, the governor said security agencies also apprehended three other persons of interest linked to the attack.
He noted that investigations were ongoing to determine the level of involvement of each suspect.
Some Suspects Allegedly Acted as Informants
The governor disclosed that preliminary intelligence reports suggested that some of those arrested may have acted as informants for the attackers within the affected communities.
“The information available is that about six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them we believe are informants,” Makinde stated.
Attackers Linked to Armed Groups Fleeing Northern Operations
Makinde explained that the attackers are believed to be members of armed groups displaced by intensified military operations against terrorists and bandits in the North-West region.
“With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward,” the governor said.
Oyo Raises Alarm Over Southward Movement of Terrorists
The governor warned that states in the South must strengthen security architecture and intelligence gathering to prevent terrorists from exploiting vulnerable communities.
“But the problem that we have is when you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points,” he added.
Government Adopts Non-Military Strategy Alongside Security Operations
Makinde stressed that the state government would not rely solely on military action in responding to the crisis.
He disclosed that consultations were already ongoing with traditional rulers, community leaders, elders, and religious leaders, including officials of the Baptist Convention, because one of the affected schools belongs to the church.
“We have decided that we will adopt not just a kinetic approach. We are engaging leaders, elders and religious leaders,” he said.
Makinde Assures Families of Safe Rescue Efforts
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and assured families of the abducted victims that the government and security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure their safe return.
“We are not taking this lightly. We will do everything within our means to resolve this quickly and bring our children back safely,” he assured.
