Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that seven teachers were abducted during the recent attack on schools in the Oriire area of the state, while the number of missing students is yet to be fully determined.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday after meeting with security chiefs and service commanders, the governor disclosed that one of the abducted teachers, an Islamic Studies instructor, was killed during the incident.
Makinde also revealed that security agencies have arrested six suspects within the affected community, alongside three other individuals believed to be connected to the attack.
According to the governor, the attackers are suspected to be armed groups relocating from the North-West due to increased military pressure on terrorists and bandits in that region.
“With the pressure currently mounted against terrorists and bandits in the North-West, many of them may continue moving southward,” he said.
The governor explained that discussions were ongoing with neighbouring states to strengthen regional security and prevent armed groups from taking advantage of weak security structures.
He further disclosed that preliminary intelligence reports suggested some of those arrested may have served as informants and logistics suppliers for the attackers.
Makinde stressed that the state would not rely solely on military force to resolve the crisis, adding that the government was also engaging religious leaders, elders and officials of the Baptist Convention, since one of the affected schools belongs to the church.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and assured families of the abducted victims that the government was working tirelessly to secure their safe return.
Describing the situation as painful and challenging, the governor announced plans for daily press briefings to keep the public informed about rescue efforts and ongoing security operations.
