Police begins manhunt of bandits in Oyo community after abduction of students, others

The Oyo State Police Command says it has commenced a rescue operation and manhunt following the abduction of pupils, students and staff members from schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo state.

In a statement issued on Friday, police spokesman in the state, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said armed hoodlums attacked some schools and surrounding communities in the early hours of the day.

The police spokesperson said preliminary investigation revealed that the attackers, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and Community Grammar School/L.A Primary School in Esiele.

Olayinka said the assailants abducted some pupils, students and staff members, including Mrs Alamu Folawe, vice-principal of the school. He said no pupil or student had been confirmed dead as of the time the report was filed.

The police spokesperson, however, said an assistant headmaster identified as Mr Adesiyan was killed during the attack.

Olayinka added that an okada rider was also shot dead after reportedly resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle.

The command said Community Grammar School, Esiele, shares the same premises with L.A Primary School, Esiele.

According to the statement, the attackers also took away a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted vice-principal before setting the vehicle ablaze along a road leading to the forest.

Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga was said to have led operatives and other security commanders to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination.

The police said tactical teams, operational assets and intelligence platforms had been deployed to the affected communities to facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims and arrest those responsible for the attack.

The command urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing rescue and investigation efforts with credible information.