Enimere Àkànbí
Fresh fears have gripped residents of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following reports that one of the teachers abducted during the attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele community has been Bęheæded by the kidnappers.
According to updates circulating within the community on Sunday, one of the abducted teachers listed among the victims of the school attack was reportedly murdered while in captivity.
The development has heightened anxiety among families of the remaining abducted teachers and pupils, as residents continue to await official confirmation from security agencies.
The victims were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School on Friday by armed assailants who reportedly invaded the communities on motorcycles.
Community sources said a total of 46 persons, including seven teachers and 39 students and pupils, were abducted during the attacks.
Among the teachers earlier reported missing were Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Principal of Community High School; Mr. Ojo Jonathan, Vice Principal; Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus; Mr. John Olaleye; Mr. Michael Oyedokun; Mrs. Oladeji; and Mary Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
The attackers were also alleged to have snatched four motorcycles from villagers during the operation.
The latest report comes days after a distress video surfaced online showing Mrs. Alamu appealing to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure the release of the abducted victims.
The Oyo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the abduction incident and announced the deployment of tactical teams and intelligence operatives to rescue the victims and track down the perpetrators.
Residents of the affected communities have continued to call for intensified rescue efforts amid growing fears over the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State government had on Sunday evening, said it is on top of the security situation and is actively working to rescue residents abducted during a bandit attack in Oriire Local Government Area last Friday.
Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal, speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of Yáwóta and Ẹ̀ṣíẹ̀lẹ̀ communities, said a rapid response had already inflicted casualties on the attackers.
According to Barrister Lawal, a coordinated operation involving the Army Garrison, Police, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, and local hunters tracked the bandits into the forest and neutralized some of them, adding that Troops remain in the area as the operation continues.
He noted that the state government will continue to deploy all necessary resources to keep Oyo State safe.
Barrister Lawal, assured residents of the affected communities that the abductees would be rescued and returned safely, stressing that the government’s priority is both immediate relief and long-term security.
He urged residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies to enable proactive action, and called for increased vigilance along the forest reserves spanning Olorunsogo, Oorelope, Saki West, Saki East, Irepo, Iseyin, Oriire, Igbeti, and Ibarapa.
The deputy governor also warned against spreading unverified figures circulating online, noting that the two affected local governments had been directed to submit comprehensive reports by Monday morning to establish verified figures on casualties and abductees.
Barrister Lawal, flanked by Commissioner for Education, Segun Olayiwola, Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi on Security matters, CP Sunday Odukoya, rtd, later visited injured security personnel that engaged the bandits shortly after the assault at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital and Bowen Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso.
Gunmen suspected to be bandits had on Friday attacked and abducted school officials and students at a private school in Yáwóta, LA Basic School, and Community High School, Ahoro, Ẹ̀ṣíẹ̀lẹ̀, in Oriire LGA.
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