Oyo gov’t orders reopening of schools Monday after abduction of students, principal by gunmen

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

Gunmen have attacked the Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducting the principal of a secondary school and an unspecified number of students.

The attack reportedly occurred between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Friday at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, according to community sources.

A resident said the attackers stormed the school premises, whisked away students, whose number is yet to be confirmed, and abducted the school principal, Rachael Alamu.

The source also said a teacher was shot during the attack, though the extent of the injury has not been confirmed.

The gunmen fled the scene with the principal in her vehicle and escaped into a forest reserve bordering the community.

Residents said the nearest police station is some distance away, which delayed immediate response.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State government has re-ordered the reopening of schools in Oriire, Oyo East, Surulere, and Olorunsogo local government areas, on Monday, following the deployment of additional security operatives to the affected zones.

Recall that the state government had initially ordered the closure of schools in the axis following the reported killing of a teacher and abduction of a pupil.

But the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, in another statement on Friday, gave the directive of reopening on Friday.

“Parents and guardians are strongly urged to remain calm, as security agencies have assured the government of sustained surveillance and protection across all identified communities,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the OYOSUBEB, Adeniran said the latest decision followed a comprehensive security review carried out after the unfortunate incident in Ahoro-Esinele community.

Dr. Adeniran noted that the safety of pupils and teachers remained a top priority of the state government, adding that the coordinated efforts of security operatives working under the directives of the state commissioner of police had significantly strengthened safety measures in schools across the axis.

He emphasised that learning activities could now resume without fear, as the government continueed to monitor the situation closely in partnership with local authorities and community stakeholders.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting every child within the school system, Dr. Adeniran appealed to parents not to panic or spread unverified information, assuring that the state will continue to provide timely updates as necessary.