Public school teachers in Oyo State on Monday staged a protest over the recent attacks and abductions in schools located in the Oriire Local Government Area, demanding urgent intervention from the government and security agencies.
The demonstration followed last week’s violent invasion of communities along the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota axis in Ogbomoso, where armed men riding motorcycles reportedly attacked several schools, including Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
During the attack, students and school personnel were abducted, while an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist were confirmed killed, heightening fears over insecurity in the area.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed that seven teachers were kidnapped during the incident, while efforts were ongoing to determine the number of missing pupils.
The governor also disclosed that one of the abducted teachers, a mathematics teacher, had been killed by the attackers. According to a statement issued by his media adviser, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, the government received a video showing the execution of the teacher.
“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, the maths teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” Makinde said.
On Monday, protesting teachers gathered in large numbers, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they called on the state government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and improve security around schools.
Some of the placards displayed messages such as “Their deaths demand action,” “Say their name, remember their sacrifice,” and “Noble teachers gone too soon,” reflecting the anger and grief among the demonstrators.
Meanwhile, security operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims recorded both gains and losses. According to the governor, security operatives pursuing the kidnappers encountered Improvised Explosive Devices planted along routes leading to the criminals’ hideout.
The explosions reportedly claimed the lives of soldiers, operatives of the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes participating in the rescue mission, while several others sustained injuries and were hospitalised.
Makinde assured that the state government would provide adequate medical care for the injured personnel and vowed not to relent in efforts to rescue the remaining captives.
Despite the setbacks, security agencies recorded breakthroughs with the arrest of six suspects in the affected locality. Police authorities said some of those arrested were suspected informants and logistics suppliers for the kidnappers. Another security outfit reportedly apprehended three additional persons of interest in another part of the state.
The governor expressed condolences to the families of the slain teacher and fallen security personnel, promising a combined “kinetic and non-kinetic” approach to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
“There may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly,” he said.
Makinde also warned of a growing security threat posed by bandits fleeing military offensives in Nigeria’s North-West and North-East regions and moving southward. He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the governor of Kwara State to strengthen regional security and prevent further infiltration.
“We must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise terrorists fleeing the pressure point,” the governor warned.
He added that the state government would provide daily briefings to keep residents informed as rescue efforts and the manhunt for the attackers continue.
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