Panic and grief have spread across parts of Oyo State after armed gunmen attacked multiple schools in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting teachers and pupils during coordinated assaults.
The attacks reportedly occurred on Friday morning, May 15, 2026, when heavily armed assailants riding motorcycles stormed schools within the Ogbomoso axis during active school hours.
The affected schools reportedly include LA Primary School, Community Grammar School, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota.
During the invasion, the attackers allegedly shot and killed a teacher identified as Joel Adesiyan, who was said to be an assistant headmaster.
Reports indicated that the teacher was attacked while attempting to protect pupils and escape the scene.
Authorities and community leaders confirmed that at least seven teachers were abducted during the incident.
Those reportedly kidnapped include:
• Rachael Alamu Folawe
• Ojo Jonathan
• Olatunde Zacchaeus
• John Olaleye
• Michael Oyedokun
• Mrs. Oladeji
• Mary Akanbi
Community sources also claimed that dozens of pupils were abducted alongside the teachers, with some reports placing the number of missing children at about 39.
Many of the affected children were reportedly from nearby villages including Ahoro-Esinele, Yawota, Oniya, and Alawusa.
The attackers were also said to have seized motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to one of the school officials before later setting the car ablaze.
Following the incident, security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Amotekun operatives, hunters, vigilantes, and Agro Rangers launched joint rescue operations within surrounding forest areas.
Security sources reportedly believe the kidnappers may be trapped within sections of the Old Oyo National Park corridor as intensive manhunts continue.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the abduction of the teachers and described the development as partly resulting from an intelligence failure.
The governor also reportedly ordered the temporary closure of schools across Oriire, Surulere, Oyo East, and Olorunsogo Local Government Areas pending further security assessments.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, condemned the attack and demanded the immediate rescue of all victims.
Videos circulating online showing distressed parents and community members have further intensified public concern over school safety and rising insecurity within parts of the country.
As of the latest updates, no victim had reportedly been rescued, while security operations remain ongoing.
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