Governor says exact number of missing pupils remains unclear after deadly gunmen invasion
Fresh fear has gripped residents of Oyo State after Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that seven teachers were abducted during the shocking attack on multiple schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor disclosed that authorities were still struggling to determine the exact number of pupils kidnapped during the invasion, sparking fresh anxiety among parents and residents of the affected communities.
The horrifying attack reportedly occurred when heavily armed gunmen stormed three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities, firing sporadically and causing chaos as students and teachers fled for safety. During the attack, an assistant headmaster was reportedly killed while attempting to escape.
Governor Makinde described the incident as a major intelligence failure, lamenting the delay in reporting suspicious movements to security agencies before the attack occurred. He urged residents to become more security conscious and cooperate with law enforcement authorities by providing timely information.
Meanwhile, security operatives including the military, DSS, police, NSCDC, and local hunters have reportedly launched a manhunt for the abductors. Oyo State officials insist efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims safely and restore calm in the affected communities.
The incident has triggered outrage across social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the increasing wave of attacks targeting schools despite repeated government assurances on security.