On Friday, May 15, communities and schools in the Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo state experienced a series of devastating bandit attacks, leading to abductions and fatalities. Among the targeted institutions were Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele (also referred to as Community Grammar School, Esiele, and Esin Ele), Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso. These coordinated assaults resulted in the death of Joel Adesiyan, an assistant headmaster, and a commercial motorcyclist. The attackers, reportedly dressed in military uniforms and operating on motorcycles, forcibly took at least 45 schoolchildren, a principal, and several teachers into nearby forests, specifically the Old Oyo National Park.

A tragic development unfolded on Sunday when Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted schoolteachers, was brutally beheaded by his captors. A graphic video purportedly showing his murder circulated widely on social media platforms like X on Monday, sparking widespread outrage and fresh concerns over the safety of the remaining victims. In response to the deeply traumatizing content, Oyedokun’s family issued a heartfelt appeal through a social media influencer, requesting the public to cease sharing the graphic videos and pictures. They emphasized the severe emotional toll on his children, who are currently sitting for exams, as well as on his elderly loved ones and other relatives. The family humbly asked that if sharing about the incident was necessary, content should be blurred or official family pictures used instead, prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the "barbaric" killing of the abducted teacher, assuring the public that security operatives are working tirelessly around the clock to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators. He also pledged the federal government's collaboration with the Oyo state government in these rescue efforts, which prompted the Oyo state government to shut schools in four LGAs as security agencies intensified their operations.

Adding to the tension, panic spread across Ogbomoso and neighboring communities, including Ajaawa Town, on Tuesday, following rumors of a fresh bandit attack, particularly near Are-Ago High School. However, the Oyo state police command swiftly refuted these claims, clarifying that the alarm was a misunderstanding. Preliminary investigations revealed that the "unfamiliar individuals" sighted behind a school fence were an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) from Kwara State Command and two civilians, who were celebrating a birthday. An altercation with some teachers inadvertently escalated suspicion, leading students to spread unverified claims that caused widespread panic.

The police command immediately deployed surveillance teams, intensified patrols, and engaged critical stakeholders to reassure residents and restore public confidence, with normal activities since resuming. The command issued a strong warning against the deliberate spread of fake news, misinformation, and unverified security reports, highlighting their potential to cause chaos, disrupt socio-economic activities, and undermine collective security efforts. They cautioned that individuals found peddling false information intended to incite fear would be investigated and prosecuted.

In light of the security concerns, the management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso assured its students and staff of adequate security. Registrar Olayinka Balogun stated that while aware of the anxiety caused by the Oriire LGA attacks, reports of an impending attack on the university campus were dismissed. LAUTECH affirmed its commitment to safety, maintaining that the institution remains secure with additional security personnel, and urged the community to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also weighed in, with Michael Onoja, director of defence media operations, stating that the recent attacks in Oyo state are isolated criminal incidents and do not signify an established terrorist network in the region. He reiterated that previous military clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park had significantly weakened criminal groups. Intelligence assessments, according to Onoja, do not support the existence of any permanent terrorist base in the South-West forests. The DHQ assured families of the abducted victims of the military's commitment to their safe and unconditional release, confirming ongoing search-and-rescue operations across forested areas in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

The aftermath of the May 15 attacks left a stark picture of disruption and fear in the affected communities. Classrooms at the attacked schools, such as Community High School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and LA Primary School, stood deserted with abandoned school bags, lunch boxes, scattered notebooks, empty desks, and unfinished lessons. Many residents fled their homes over safety concerns, underscoring the profound impact of the invasion on their lives. These scenes serve as a poignant reminder of the sudden and violent disruption caused by the bandits who emerged from parts of the Old Oyo National Park.