Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that seven teachers were abducted during the recent attack on schools in the Oriire area of the state, while efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of missing pupils.
The governor disclosed this on Sunday while briefing journalists on the security situation following the invasion of schools in the area by suspected gunmen.
Makinde said he had earlier met with heads of security agencies and service commanders in the state to assess the situation and receive updates on rescue efforts.
According to the governor, an Islamic Studies teacher lost his life during the attack, describing the incident as tragic and deeply troubling.
He revealed that security operatives had arrested six suspects within the affected communities and three additional persons of interest linked to the incident.
Makinde said preliminary investigations suggested that some of those arrested may have served as informants for the attackers.
“The information available is that about six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them, we believe, are informants. Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested,” he said.
The governor attributed the growing insecurity to the displacement of armed groups from other regions, particularly the North-West, due to intensified military offensives.
“With the pressure on the terrorists and bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward,” Makinde stated.
He warned that states in the South must strengthen security measures to prevent fleeing criminals from exploiting weak surveillance systems.
“The challenge is that when pressure mounts in one region, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise terrorists fleeing those pressure points,” he added.
Makinde also disclosed that the state government was adopting a broader response strategy beyond military operations, including consultations with traditional, religious and community leaders.
He noted that discussions were ongoing with leaders of the Baptist Convention, as one of the attacked schools is church-owned.
“We have decided that we will adopt not just a kinetic approach. We are engaging leaders, elders and religious leaders, especially at the Baptist Convention,” the governor said.
Appealing for calm, Makinde assured residents and families of the abducted victims that the government was working tirelessly to secure their safe release.
“We are not taking this lightly. We will do everything within our means to resolve this quickly and bring our children back safely,” he assured.
Describing the attack as a difficult and painful moment for the state, the governor announced that the government would begin daily press briefings to keep residents informed on rescue operations and security interventions.
