Residents of Yawota community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly fled their homes following renewed fear of bandit attacks, days after a violent school abduction in the area sparked widespread panic.
The latest displacement comes after gunmen invaded Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School and Community High School in nearby Ahoro-Esiele on May 15, abducting several pupils, students, and school staff members.
The attack, which also affected surrounding communities including Oniya and Alawusa, has heightened insecurity concerns across the region.
According to reports, the initial assault led to the abduction of the principal of Community High School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu Folawe, alongside other teachers and pupils.
The incident has since triggered fear of a possible return attack by the armed group.
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In the days that followed, residents of Yawota community began abandoning their homes as rumours of another invasion spread, leading to mass movement into safer neighbouring areas.
Normal economic and social activities in the community have reportedly been disrupted as families flee for safety.
Community members have appealed to both the Oyo State Government and security agencies to urgently deploy personnel to the affected areas to restore confidence and prevent further attacks on schools and rural settlements.
The incident adds to growing concerns over repeated abductions and rising insecurity targeting educational institutions and rural communities in parts of the country, raising fresh calls for stronger security intervention and intelligence response mechanisms.
Residents continue to live in fear as uncertainty surrounds when normalcy will return to the affected communities.
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