Residents of Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State have been thrown into panic after heavily armed terrorists stormed three schools on Friday and abducted more than 45 pupils and several teachers.
The attackers invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School, unleashing chaos as gunshots echoed across the communities.
Witnesses said the gunmen arrived around 8 a.m. on six motorcycles, dressed in military camouflage and speaking Yoruba, Hausa, and Pidgin English. Many residents initially mistook them for security operatives sent to protect the area before the shooting began.
A teacher, Elizabeth Olagoke, recounted the terrifying moment the assailants burst into her classroom.
“They entered my class first and grabbed me alongside a two-year-old girl I was carrying. I begged them, and one of them ordered they should let me go,” she said.
According to her, the attackers abducted children from Yawota, Esiele, and Alausa communities, while also stealing motorcycles and killing a motorcyclist during the raid.
Traditional ruler of the community, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, confirmed that at least 45 pupils were taken away, while a former lawmaker representing Oriire Constituency revealed that several teachers were also kidnapped during the assault.
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Security sources disclosed that three suspects linked to the attack had already been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for interrogation.
The tragedy has left parents devastated, with many mothers breaking down while narrating how their children vanished during the attack.
One parent, Ajarah Ayanwale, said the terrorists deceived residents by wearing army uniforms.
“We thought they were soldiers deployed to secure our communities. Minutes later, gunshots started everywhere,” she lamented.
Another mother, Shukurat Pius, said some pupils escaped through windows while younger children were seized and dragged away.
“They forced some onto motorcycles and marched others into the forest.
I just want my son back alive,” she cried.
A resident, Serah Oguntunde, said she watched helplessly as gunmen fled with her 13-year-old daughter and other students in a vehicle allegedly driven by an abducted school principal before the car was later set ablaze.
The attack has triggered fresh fears across the South-West, with the Oodua People’s Congress National Coordinator, Gani Adams, warning that terrorists had infiltrated the region.
According to Adams, recent attacks in Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo states show that armed groups are gradually expanding their operations into the South-West.
He called for the establishment of state police and stronger collaboration between governors and local security outfits familiar with the terrain.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, hunters, and other security agencies have intensified rescue operations around the Old Oyo National Park axis, where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding.
The Oyo State Government said security operatives had already sealed possible escape routes and launched coordinated patrols across surrounding forests and border communities.
Following the incident, governments across Ogun State, Ondo State, Osun State, Ekiti State, and Lagos State have reportedly strengthened surveillance, deployed tactical teams, and increased monitoring around schools and vulnerable communities to prevent similar attacks.
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