The police command in Oyo State says it has commenced an intensive manhunt and rescue operation following an alleged school abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said in a statement on Friday that suspected armed hoodlums invaded two communities, abducted pupils and staff, and killed two individuals during the attack.

“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it has commenced an intensive manhunt and rescue operation following a coordinated attack carried out by armed hoodlums on some schools and surrounding communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in the early hours of today, Friday, 15th May, 2026,” the statement said.

Mr Olayinka said preliminary investigations revealed that the assailants, who reportedly operated on motorcycles, attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and Community Grammar School/L.A Primary School in Esiele.

The spokesperson stated that several pupils, students, and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Alamu Folawe, were abducted by the suspected gunmen.

“It is important to state that as at the time of filing this report, no pupil or student has been confirmed killed during the incident,” the spokesman noted.

He added that an assistant headmaster, identified as Adesiyan, was killed during the attack, while a commercial motorcyclist, who reportedly resisted the attackers’ attempt to seize his motorcycle, was also shot dead.

Mr Olayinka said the assailants stole a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted Vice Principal but later set it ablaze along a forest path.

The spokesman stated that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, led police operatives, alongside other service commanders, to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination.

“Operational assets, tactical teams, and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety, and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act,” Mr Olayinka stated.

The command urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing timely and credible information that could aid investigation and rescue efforts.

Earlier, the Peoples Gazette reported that the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) directed that all primary schools located near the affected communities be closed until further notice.

The OYOSUBEB chairman, Nureni Adeniran, also stated that the accurate number of pupils abducted during the attack could not be ascertained.