Residents of Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have revealed how terrorists allegedly used a school principal’s vehicle to transport abducted pupils into a forest before setting the car ablaze.
The incident, which occurred during coordinated attacks on schools and nearby communities on Tuesday, left residents in panic as several pupils, teachers and villagers were abducted, while others were killed.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Chairman of Esiele community, Amusa Wakilu, said the attackers burnt the Toyota Corolla belonging to the principal of Community High School, Esiele, after forcing her to drive abducted children into a forest reserve.
According to Wakilu, the burnt vehicle was later discovered at one of the entrances leading into the thick forest where the victims owere reportedly taken.
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“The place the car was burnt is at one of the entrances to the forest. Only legs can move from there into the bush,” he said.
Residents disclosed that the principal, who was among those kidnapped during the attack, was compelled by the gunmen to convey the children in her vehicle before they disappeared into the forest.
A local farmer, Micheal Ojo, whose family members were among the abducted victims, said the attackers stormed the school while people fled in different directions for safety.
He explained that the gunmen killed a primary school teacher during the invasion before gathering the pupils and forcing the principal to transport them into the forest reserve.
“After gathering the children, they forced the principal to drive her Corolla car while they packed the children inside the vehicle,” Ojo said.
The attacks reportedly targeted schools in Esiele and Yawota communities, with witnesses claiming that some of the assailants wore military uniforms.
Residents also said the terrorists opened fire indiscriminately and stole motorcycles from villagers while retreating into the forest.
Among those reportedly killed during the attacks were a commercial motorcyclist and an assistant headmaster identified as Joel Adesiyan.
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