The Oyo State government says suspected kidnappers behind the attack and abduction of school pupils in Oriire Local Government Area are currently trapped within the national park axis between northern Oyo and southern Kwara states.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said in a statement sent to Peoples Gazette on Saturday that security operatives had successfully confined the suspects to the national park axis to restrict their movement and prevent escape into neighbouring states, particularly Kwara. 

He said, “The Oyo State government has disclosed that suspected kidnappers involved in the attack on LA School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire LGA, have been effectively confined within the national park axis following coordinated security operations aimed at preventing their movement into neighbouring states.”

“Security operatives have successfully surrounded the area, restricting the suspects’ movement and preventing possible escape into Kwara State or other neighbouring locations.” 

Mr Oyelade said the suspected gunmen’s attack resulted in the death of a teacher, a motorcyclist and the abduction of an unspecified number of pupils, a secondary school principal, two vice principals and three teachers.

The commissioner stated that security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Civil Defence Agro Rangers and the Nigeria Police Force, responded to the incident promptly and commenced rescue operations at about 11 a.m. on Friday.

He added that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, worked in collaboration with the Kwara State police command, noting that both commands have agreed to strengthen surveillance and apprehend any suspect attempting to cross the boundaries.

Mr Oyelade stated that coordinated patrol operations actively commenced on Saturday, following credible intelligence that the suspects were still within the national park area in Oyo State.

He said three separate patrol teams, made up of Amotekun Corps operatives and local hunters from the seven local government areas in Oke-Ogun, have been deployed to monitor and respond to security concerns in the adjoining communities around Igbeti and Oloka towns.

The commissioner said there had been no direct contact with the abductors, adding that relevant authorities were working to determine the exact number of pupils affected in the attack. 

“Authorities are currently focused on establishing the exact number of pupils affected, as school authorities have yet to provide accurate records of missing children. This has made the rescue operation more difficult. What we are trying to do now is locate their position and apply pressure,” Mr Oyelade stated.

The commissioner assured residents that security personnel were on top of the situation, expressing confidence that sustained pressure on the suspects would lead to the safe rescue and release of the victims. 

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, he said Oyo State has one of the most well-equipped and well-funded Amotekun Corps in the South-West region. 

He said the Amotekun Corps currently operates 181 vehicles and 450 motorcycles, with no fewer than 2,500 personnel deployed to strengthen surveillance, ensure rapid response, and support community-based security operations across the state.