Fear and outrage have spread across Oyo State following coordinated attacks by armed bandits on schools near Ogbomoso, leaving one teacher dead and several school staff abducted.
The attacks reportedly occurred on May 15 when heavily armed assailants stormed three schools in the area, killing an assistant headmaster before abducting teachers and other victims. Among those confirmed kidnapped was Principal Rachael Alamu alongside at least six other members of staff.
Unverified reports circulating within the affected communities also claimed that as many as 45 pupils may have been taken during the raids, although authorities have yet to officially confirm those figures.
The situation escalated further after disturbing footage allegedly linked to the attackers surfaced online, reportedly showing the gruesome killing of a teacher. The videos sparked widespread anger and renewed concern over worsening insecurity and attacks on educational institutions in parts of Nigeria.
According to security sources, the gunmen fled into the dense forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, an area believed to provide cover for criminal groups operating across parts of the South-West and North-Central regions.
A large-scale rescue operation has since been launched involving the Nigerian Police Force, the military, local vigilantes, and the regional security outfit Amotekun Corps. Security teams are reportedly combing forest routes and surrounding communities in search of the abducted victims.
Governor Seyi Makinde responded by ordering the temporary closure of schools in affected areas and convening emergency meetings with security chiefs to coordinate rescue efforts and prevent further attacks.
President Bola Tinubu also condemned the incident, describing the attacks as unacceptable and directing security agencies to intensify efforts toward the safe rescue of the victims. Reports indicate that the President ordered the Inspector-General of Police to lead a technology-driven operation aimed at tracking down the perpetrators.
Families of the abducted teachers and pupils have continued to appeal for urgent government intervention, while protests and public demonstrations demanding swift rescue operations have emerged in some communities.
The latest attack has intensified concerns about the security of schools in Nigeria, where kidnappings targeting students and education workers have become a recurring national crisis in recent years.
Security experts warn that continued assaults on schools could worsen educational disruption, deepen fear among parents, and increase the number of out-of-school children across vulnerable communities.
As rescue operations continue in the forests around Old Oyo National Park, many residents remain anxious and hopeful for the safe return of the abducted victims amid growing pressure on authorities to restore security and public confidence.
