The Oyo State Police Command has launched a massive rescue operation and manhunt after suspected armed hoodlums attacked schools and nearby communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting several pupils, students and staff members.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 15, 2026, reportedly claimed the life of an assistant headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command disclosed that the attackers, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles, carried out coordinated assaults on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School, Esiele.
Among those abducted was the Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs. Alamu Folawe, alongside an unspecified number of pupils, students and staff members.
The police clarified that, as of the time of filing this report, no pupil or student had been confirmed dead.
The statement further revealed that the attackers also shot dead an okada rider who allegedly resisted attempts to snatch his motorcycle during the operation.
According to the command, the gunmen fled with a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted Vice Principal before later setting the vehicle ablaze on a road leading into the forest.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reportedly led a team of security operatives and other service commanders to the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment and strategic coordination of rescue efforts.
The command said tactical units, intelligence teams and operational assets have since been deployed across the area to restore calm, prevent further attacks and secure the safe rescue of the abducted victims.
Police authorities also assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack, describing the incident as a heinous act.
Residents were urged to remain calm, vigilant and provide credible information that could assist ongoing security operations.
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