Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has pledged to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining teachers and pupils abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, following the killing of one of the victims.
The governor disclosed that his administration would combine military operations with non-violent strategies to tackle the worsening security situation and secure the release of those still in captivity.
Makinde made this known after a security meeting with service commanders and advisers on Sunday, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
The governor confirmed that seven teachers and an unspecified number of pupils were kidnapped during the attack on Ahoro Esinle Community on Friday.
He also revealed that one of the abducted teachers, reportedly a Mathematics teacher, was murdered and beheaded by the terrorists.
Makinde expressed condolences to the victim’s family, describing the incident as heartbreaking and assuring residents that the government was treating the situation with utmost seriousness.
He equally sympathised with security operatives, including soldiers, Amotekun personnel and local vigilantes, who sustained injuries after their rescue team encountered improvised explosive devices planted by the kidnappers.
According to the governor, the injured operatives are responding to treatment, while the state government has taken full responsibility for their medical care.
Makinde stated that tactical teams made up of police officers, soldiers, Amotekun operatives, hunters and other local security groups had already been deployed to track down the abductors.
He admitted that the operation suffered a setback after one of the teams stepped on explosive devices during the rescue mission.
Despite the challenge, the governor disclosed that security agencies had made progress, with several suspects already arrested in connection with the abduction.
According to him, six suspects believed to be informants and logistics suppliers for the terrorists were arrested within the community, while another three persons of interest were picked up by a separate security outfit.
Makinde appealed to residents, community leaders and religious groups to remain calm and patient as efforts continue to secure the safe return of the victims.
He acknowledged growing public anger over the incident but stressed that there may not be immediate solutions due to the complexity of the operation.
The governor also warned that increased military pressure on bandits in northern Nigeria could force many of them to migrate toward southern states.
He revealed that he had already discussed the growing threat with Kwara State Governor as part of efforts to strengthen regional security collaboration.
Makinde assured residents that his administration would continue upgrading security architecture across vulnerable locations, including schools, factories and highways, to prevent future attacks.
He added that the government would provide regular updates to residents through daily briefings as rescue operations continue.
