Makinde Orders Massive Security Crackdown After Oyo School Abduction

Makinde Orders Massive Security Crackdown After Oyo School Abduction

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has intensified rescue operations following the abduction of seven teachers during a deadly attack by suspected terrorists and bandits on two schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The attack, which targeted Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, has triggered widespread fear and outrage across Oyo State, with security agencies now carrying out coordinated operations to rescue the victims and track down the attackers.

Speaking during a late-night security briefing in Ibadan after a high-level meeting with security chiefs, Makinde confirmed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed by the gunmen.

“Unfortunately, we received a video this morning indicating that one of the teachers, a Mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” the governor said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected.”

Makinde disclosed that seven teachers were confirmed abducted during the attack, while authorities were still trying to determine the exact number of missing pupils because of the confusion that followed the invasion of the schools.

“We don’t have any accurate number right now because when the incident happened, students, parents and guardians moved in different directions,” he explained.

“Until we reopen the schools and verify the registers, we cannot provide a precise number.”

The governor announced that the state government had launched an expanded joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and intelligence agencies.

According to him, the operation is focused on rescuing the victims, dismantling criminal hideouts and restoring security across vulnerable communities in Oriire and surrounding areas.

Makinde revealed that some security operatives were injured during rescue operations after encountering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the attackers.

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“One of the Amotekun operatives is currently in critical condition, while soldiers, hunters and other operatives sustained injuries during the operation,” he said.

“The government will take full responsibility for their treatment and recovery.”

The governor stressed that the rescue effort remained highly delicate and required strategic coordination to avoid putting the abducted victims at greater risk.

“This is a difficult and painful situation. There are no quick fixes, but we will continue to push ourselves to the limit to ensure that our children are brought back safely,” he added.

Makinde also announced that the Oyo State Government would begin daily press briefings to keep residents informed about developments in the rescue mission and security operations.

In a major breakthrough, the governor disclosed that security agencies had arrested several suspects linked to the attack, including individuals accused of supplying intelligence and logistics to the gunmen.

“About six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them are believed to be informants or persons providing logistical support to the terrorists,” he stated.

“Three other persons of interest have also been arrested by another security outfit within the state.”

Security sources said the suspects were picked up during coordinated raids carried out in nearby communities following intelligence gathering by local vigilantes and security operatives.

Makinde warned that increased military offensives against terrorists and bandits in Nigeria’s North-West and North-East were forcing criminal groups to migrate towards southern states, including parts of the South-West.

“With increased pressure on terrorists and bandits in the North-West and North-East, they will continue to move southwards,” he warned.

“We must be prepared to neutralise or contain that pressure.”

The governor disclosed that Oyo State had already strengthened collaboration with neighbouring states and regional security outfits to improve intelligence sharing and coordinated responses against emerging security threats.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upgrading the state’s security architecture around vulnerable areas such as schools, highways, factories and farming communities.

“We just have to keep pushing and retooling our security architecture to focus on vulnerable points — whether schools, factories, or people travelling from one place to another,” Makinde stated.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reportedly ordered the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence teams to support the ongoing rescue operations in the affected communities.

The governor appealed to residents, community leaders and religious organisations, especially the Baptist Convention, to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.

“One of the affected schools is a Baptist school, and I want to appeal to the Baptist Convention and all residents not to panic,” Makinde said.

“We are doing everything within our power to ensure this situation is resolved quickly and safely.”

He added that while the government would continue to provide regular updates to the public, sensitive operational details capable of compromising rescue efforts would remain confidential.

The latest school attack has renewed concerns about rising insecurity in parts of Oyo State and the South-West, with civil society groups and education stakeholders demanding stronger protection for schools and rural communities.

Makinde Orders Massive Security Crackdown After Oyo School Abduction