Police commence massive manhunt over Oriire school abduction incident

The Oyo State Police Command has commenced an intensive manhunt and rescue operation following a coordinated attack carried out by armed hoodlums on some schools and surrounding communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in the early hours of Friday.

Ayanlade Olayinka, deputy superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said preliminary investigation revealed that the assailants, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota as well as Community Grammar School/L.A Primary School, Esiele, abducting some pupils, students and staff members including the Vice Principal, Alamu Folawe.

“It is important to state that as at the time of filing this report, no pupil or student has been confirmed killed during the incident. Buy sadly, one Assistant Headmaster identified as Adesiyan was killed during the attack.

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“In a related development, an okada rider who reportedly resisted attempts by the attackers to forcefully take his motorcycle was also shot dead.

The Command further gathered that Community Grammar School, Esiele operates within the same premises with L.A Primary School, Esiele.

The attackers, after abducting some victims, also took away a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal and later set the vehicle ablaze along the road leading to the forest.

Following the incident, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, immediately led operatives alongside other service commanders to the scene for on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination, while simultaneously directing a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators.

“Operational assets, tactical teams and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act” the PPRO stated.

The Command however assuresld residents that intensive operations are ongoing and urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and supportive by providing timely and credible information that could aid the investigation and rescue efforts.