Oyo State Government has disclosed that suspected kidnappers involved in the attack on LA School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire LGUBEA, have been effectively trapped within the National Park axis.
This, the state government stated, was as a result of a coordinated security operations aimed at preventing the movement of the kidnappers into neighbouring states.
The state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, made the disclosed in a press release, on Saturday.
The attack, on Friday, resulted in the killing of a teacher and the kidnapping of some pupils, and also led to the abduction of the principal, two vice principals, and three teachers.
Oyelade further stated that security operatives have successfully surrounded the National Park area, restricting the suspects’ movement and preventing possible escape into Kwara State and other neighbouring locations.
According to the commissioner, one motorcycle rider and one teacher were shot during the incident, while the injured teacher later died.
He explained that immediately after the attack, around 11 a.m. on Friday, security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Civil Defence Agro Rangers, and the Nigeria Police Force, with officers from the Monitoring Unit, were mobilised to commence rescue operations.
He revealed that the state Commissioner of Police subsequently directed the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) to join the operation.
He added that the Commissioner of Police coordinated with his counterpart in Kwara State, with both commands agreeing to strengthen surveillance and ensure that any suspect attempting to cross state boundaries would be apprehended.
Oyelade noted that patrol operations commenced Saturday morning after intelligence indicated the suspects remained within the National Park in Oyo State.
“Three separate patrol teams comprising Amotekun operatives and hunters drawn from seven local government areas in Oke-Ogun were deployed through Igbeti towards Oloka and adjoining communities,” he stated.
He noted that there has been no direct contact with the abductors so far, adding that authorities were currently focused on establishing the exact number of pupils affected, as school authorities have yet to provide accurate records of missing children.
“This has made the rescue operation more difficult. What we are trying to do now is locate their position and apply pressure,” he added.
The Oyo State Government assured residents that security personnel remain actively engaged in the ongoing operation.
It also expressed confidence that the sustained pressure on the suspects would support efforts to secure the safe release of those abducted.
He emphasised that the swift response to the incident reflected the sustained investment of the Oyo State Government in security infrastructure and proactive measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.
“As part of these efforts, Amotekun in Oyo State remains the most fortified and funded security outfit in the South-West, with the corps currently operating 181 vehicles, 450 motorcycles, and over 2,500 personnel to strengthen surveillance, rapid response, and community-based security operations across the state,” Oyelade stated.
He restated that the investments underscored the commitment of the government to maintaining a robust security architecture capable of responding swiftly to emerging threats and safeguarding residents.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State Government to securing the release of all abducted victims and restoring normalcy to affected communities.
