By our Reporter
Panic gripped parts of Oyo State on Friday after armed terrorists attacked three schools in Orire Local Government Area, killing an assistant headmaster, abducting several pupils and teachers, and throwing the affected communities into confusion.
The affected schools are Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
Residents described the incident as one of the most daring attacks on school communities in recent times, as the gunmen reportedly operated in broad daylight and moved between locations without resistance.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, left parents, teachers, and residents in distress while security operatives launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the communities around 9 a.m., shortly after pupils gathered for morning assembly and school activities commenced.
According to residents, the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and began shooting sporadically as they invaded the schools and surrounding areas.
Sources said the attackers carried out the operation in a coordinated manner, striking multiple schools almost simultaneously and forcing pupils and teachers to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
“They came in large numbers on motorcycles and started shooting immediately. Everybody ran for safety. They moved from one school to another within minutes,” a resident said.
It was gathered that the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, identified as Joel Adesiyan, was killed during the attack.
Witnesses said Adesiyan was attempting to escape through a window when he was shot dead by the attackers.
His death has thrown the education community in the area into mourning, with colleagues describing him as a dedicated and committed teacher.
During the confusion, an okada rider who reportedly rode into the area unknowingly was also killed after being caught in the crossfire.
