Security Forces Trap Oyo School Attackers in Old Oyo National Park

Security agencies have reportedly trapped suspected kidnappers responsible for the attack on schools in Oyo State within a section of the Old Oyo National Park as authorities intensify rescue efforts for abducted pupils and teachers.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan.

According to him, coordinated security operations launched after Friday’s attack have successfully blocked major escape routes around the forest axis, preventing the gunmen from fleeing into neighbouring states.

“The kidnappers have been effectively confined within the National Park axis following coordinated security operations aimed at preventing their movement into neighbouring states,” Oyelade stated.

The attackers had invaded L.A. School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinle, located in Orire Local Government Area, killing a school official and abducting pupils, teachers and school administrators.

The incident triggered panic across surrounding communities and renewed concerns over growing insecurity in rural parts of the state.

Oyelade explained that joint security teams had sealed off strategic routes leading toward Kwara State and other nearby locations in an effort to corner the abductors inside the forest reserve.

He said the operation involved personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Civil Defence Agro Rangers and the Amotekun Corps.

The commissioner also revealed that the state Commissioner of Police had activated the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and was coordinating with security authorities in Kwara State to tighten surveillance along border communities.

According to Oyelade, intelligence reports indicated that the suspects remained within the national park area, prompting intensified patrols involving local hunters and vigilante groups from communities across the Oke-Ogun region.

Despite the progress, authorities admitted that security forces had not yet established direct contact with the kidnappers as of Saturday.

Officials also said efforts to determine the exact number of abducted victims were being complicated by difficulties in obtaining complete school attendance and administrative records.

“This has made the rescue operation more difficult. What we are trying to do now is locate their position and apply pressure,” Oyelade said.

The commissioner, however, assured residents that security agencies remained optimistic about rescuing the victims safely.

The attack on the schools has reignited national concerns about the vulnerability of educational institutions, particularly in rural communities where security presence remains limited.

Nigeria has experienced repeated attacks on schools over the past decade, especially in northern and central regions, with armed groups frequently targeting students and teachers for kidnapping and ransom.

Although Oyo State has not historically ranked among the worst-hit states for school abductions, recent incidents have heightened fears about the spread of organised criminal activities into South-West communities.

Security analysts say forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park and border communities have increasingly become hideouts for kidnappers and armed gangs operating across state lines.

Residents are now calling for stronger permanent security presence, improved intelligence gathering and enhanced protection for schools in vulnerable rural areas.