Makinde Confirms Teacher Killed in Oyo Kidnap Attack, Six Suspects Arrested

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed the killing of a teacher abducted during the recent terrorist attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele community, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as security agencies intensify rescue efforts for other victims still in captivity.

The governor also disclosed that six suspects linked to the attack had been arrested, while additional persons of interest were being interrogated by security agencies.

Makinde made the disclosure in a statement issued on Monday through his Special Adviser on Media, Suleimon Olanrewaju.

The governor expressed condolences to the family of the slain teacher, believed to be a mathematics instructor abducted during the coordinated assault on schools in the community.

According to him, the government received a disturbing video from the kidnappers confirming the victim’s death.

“Seven teachers in all were abducted. Unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” Makinde stated.

The attack, which occurred last Friday, triggered widespread panic after armed men stormed schools in the area, killing and abducting staff and pupils before fleeing into nearby forests.

Makinde assured residents that the state government was pursuing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the release of the remaining victims.

He also sympathised with the families of security operatives and local vigilantes who lost their lives during rescue operations.

According to the governor, members of the military tactical team, operatives of the Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes were killed after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices planted by the abductors.

He added that injured security personnel were responding positively to medical treatment and pledged that the government would provide adequate support for them.

Makinde appealed to families of the abducted victims, religious groups and residents to remain patient while rescue operations continue.

“There may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly,” he said.

The governor revealed that six suspects had already been arrested within the local community based on intelligence gathered during investigations.

According to him, security agencies believe some of those arrested may have acted as informants or logistics suppliers for the terrorists.

He further disclosed that another security outfit in the state arrested three additional persons of interest connected to the incident.

The governor acknowledged the growing security threat posed by terrorists and bandits moving southward due to military pressure in the North-West and North-East regions.

“We must appreciate the fact that with the pressure on terrorists and bandits in the North-West and North-East, they will keep moving southwards,” he said.

Makinde added that he had already discussed the situation with the Governor of Kwara State as part of efforts to strengthen regional security collaboration and block escape routes used by criminal groups.

The attack has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in parts of South-West Nigeria and the vulnerability of rural communities and schools to armed attacks.

Security analysts warn that criminal gangs displaced from northern conflict zones are increasingly exploiting forests and weak security coverage in southern states.

The governor assured residents that the government would provide daily updates on the rescue mission and ongoing security operations.