Gunmen attacked multiple schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, abducting several pupils, students and school staff in one of the rare school attacks recorded in southern Nigeria.
According to the police, the attackers stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle. The gunmen reportedly arrived on motorcycles during the morning hours and kidnapped students, teachers and a vice principal.
Community sources said the principal of Community High School, Rachael Alamu, was among those abducted, while at least one teacher was shot during the attack. Other reports said two people were killed.
Following the incident, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board ordered the closure of schools in Oriire and nearby local government areas, including Surulere, Oyo East and Olorunsogo, until further notice.
Governor Seyi Makinde described the attack as evidence of a “major intelligence gap” and urged residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies promptly.
Security forces, including the Nigerian Army, police, Amotekun Corps and local hunters, later launched joint rescue operations. Oyo State Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade said the kidnappers had been trapped within the Old Oyo National Park area after security operatives blocked escape routes into neighbouring states.
Police also confirmed that three suspects linked to the attack had been arrested, though authorities were still trying to determine the exact number of abducted students and staff.
The incident has renewed concerns about school security in Nigeria, especially after years of mass abductions in northern states by armed groups seeking ransom payments.
