The Oyo State Government has dismissed viral social media claims that teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area have been released, saying the reports are false.
Special Adviser on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, Abayomi Fagbenro, said on Thursday morning that the victims remained in captivity as of 10:35 a.m. “As of 10:35 am, it’s not true,” he told journalists. The denial followed posts circulating since Wednesday night claiming the abducted pupils, students and teachers had regained freedom.
Gunmen attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso in Oriire LGA last Friday, killing at least two people and abducting about 30 teachers and students. The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and LEA Primary School, Esiele. Governor Makinde later confirmed that seven students were taken from Community Grammar School, while 18 children and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School.
The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, also said he was not aware of any release of the victims. He added that security agencies were intensifying efforts to rescue those still in captivity.
Governor Makinde, who has set up an operational situation room at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters, said the state was working “round the clock” to secure the victims’ release. He disclosed that one of the abducted teachers, a Mathematics teacher, was killed by the attackers. Some security operatives involved in rescue operations were also injured, including an Amotekun operative in critical condition.
Makinde said the government was pursuing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including possible engagement with the kidnappers. “Whatever their demands may be, we are ready to listen and address the ones we can as a state government,” he stated. He however stressed that the state would “never surrender to terrorism…See More
