Gunmen abduct school principal and students in Oyo State’s Ahoro-Esinele community during a morning attack, police launch rescue operation
Gunmen have invaded Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting the principal of Community High School and an unspecified number of students in a morning attack.
The Oyo school kidnapping attack occurred between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Friday, according to the Oyo State Police Command, which confirmed the incident in an official statement.
Police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said the attackers stormed the school premises and whisked away the principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, alongside several students whose exact number is yet to be confirmed.
He added that a teacher was reportedly shot during the invasion, although the extent of the injury has not been verified at the time of filing this report.
According to residents, the gunmen also escaped with the principal in her vehicle, fleeing into a nearby forest reserve bordering the community after the attack.
The statement noted that the nearest police station is located some distance away, which contributed to delays in the initial response to the incident.
The police command said the Commissioner of Police has since deployed officers to the area for assessment, rescue operations, and intelligence gathering aimed at securing the safe return of the victims.
Authorities have assured that further details will be provided as investigations and rescue efforts continue.
