Seyi Makinde has confirmed that seven teachers were abducted during the recent attack on schools in the Oriire area of Oyo State, while authorities are still working to determine the number of missing pupils. The governor spoke on Sunday after meeting with security chiefs and service commanders over the incident. Makinde also disclosed that an Islamic Studies teacher was killed during the attack by suspected gunmen. He said security agencies had arrested six suspects within the affected community, alongside three other persons of interest linked to the kidnapping.
The governor blamed the growing insecurity on the movement of armed groups fleeing military offensives against terrorists and bandits in Nigeria’s North-West region. “With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward,” Makinde said.
He warned that states outside the main conflict zones must strengthen their security architecture to prevent displaced criminal groups from exploiting vulnerable communities. “But the problem that we have is when you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points,” he stated.
Makinde further revealed that preliminary intelligence suggested some of those arrested may have served as informants for the attackers. “The information available is that about six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them we believe are informants. Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested,” he added.
According to the governor, the state government is adopting both military and non-military strategies in response to the crisis. He said consultations were ongoing with community, traditional and religious leaders, including officials of the Baptist Convention, because one of the affected schools belongs to the church. “We have decided that we will adopt not just a kinetic approach. We are engaging leaders, elders and religious leaders, especially at the Baptist Convention,” he said.
Appealing for calm, Makinde assured families of the abducted victims that rescue efforts were ongoing. “We are not taking this lightly. We will do everything within our means to resolve this quickly and bring our children back safely,” the governor assured, describing the situation as “very difficult and challenging.” He also announced that the state government would begin daily press briefings to update residents on security operations and rescue efforts.