By our Reporter
The Oyo State Police Command has launched a massive manhunt and rescue operation following the abduction of pupils, students and staff members during coordinated attacks on schools and surrounding communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School, Esiele.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said the assailants, who operated on motorcycles, abducted several victims, including the Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs. Alamu Folawe.
The police, however, clarified that no pupil or student had been confirmed dead as of the time of filing the report.
The command confirmed that an Assistant Headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan was killed during the attack.
It also disclosed that an okada rider lost his life after allegedly resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle.
According to the police, Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School operate within the same premises.
The attackers were also said to have taken away a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted vice principal before setting the vehicle ablaze along a road leading to the forest.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, led operatives and other security service commanders to the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination.
The police said tactical teams, intelligence units and operational assets had been deployed to the area to restore order, rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
“The Command assures residents that intensive operations are ongoing and urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and supportive by providing timely and credible information that could aid the investigation and rescue efforts,” the statement read.
Residents were also encouraged to report useful information through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615, or the Police Control Room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413.
