On Friday, a harrowing incident unfolded in the Ahoro-Esinele community of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as gunmen attacked multiple schools, leading to the abduction of a principal, several staff members, and at least 45 schoolchildren.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that armed hoodlums invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School in Esiele, abducting several pupils, students and staff members, including the vice principal.

During the coordinated assault, which involved assailants operating on motorcycles, an Assistant Headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan was tragically killed.

Additionally, a commercial motorcycle rider lost his life after reportedly resisting attempts by the attackers to forcefully take his motorcycle.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed these fatalities, while also clarifying that no pupil or student had been confirmed killed during the incident, as stated at the time of their report.

A viral video showing the abducted principalof Community Grammar School, Esiele, Alamu Folawe, pleading for urgent rescue from captivity has deepened public concern over the school attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, South-west Nigeria.

Another victim featured in the video, identified as Temitope, who was seen carrying a baby, also made an urgent appeal for intervention.

Temitope, a worker at First Baptist Church in Ogbomosho/Yawota, reiterated the call for help from President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the church, and the community.

She expressed deep concern for the abducted children, lamenting their constant crying in captivity and pleading for swift action to prevent further loss of life and ensure their rescue.

The Oyo State Police Command, through Commissioner of Police CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, confirmed receiving the video and announced that it is undergoing a comprehensive forensic examination to ascertain its authenticity and aid ongoing investigations.

The command reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safe return and reunification of all abducted persons.

It stated that intensive operational, intelligence-driven, and tactical effortsare actively being pursued in collaboration with other security agencies to secure the victims unharmed and bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.

Further details from the police revealed that after the abductions, the assailants took a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal.

This vehicle was later found set ablaze along the road leading to the forest. Following the incident, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga immediately led operatives, alongside other service commanders, to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination, while simultaneously directing a comprehensive manhunt for the culprits.