By Following the recent abduction of pupils and the killing of a teacher in Oriire Local Government Area on Friday, May 15, the Oyo State Police Command has launched a manhunt and rescue operation across the affected communities.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the assailants, who reportedly operated on motorcycles, attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School in Esinele.
According to the statement, some pupils and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe, were abducted during the attacks. However, no student has been confirmed dead as of press time.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it has commenced an intensive manhunt and rescue operation following a coordinated attack carried out by armed hoodlums on some schools and surrounding communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in the early hours of today, Friday, May 15, 2026.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the assailants, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School/L.A Primary School, Esiele, abducting some pupils, students and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe. It is important to state that, as at the time of filing this report, no pupil or student has been confirmed killed during the incident,” the statement read.
The statement further confirmed that an Assistant Headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan Joel was killed during the attack. In a related development, a commercial motorcycle rider who reportedly resisted attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle was also shot dead.
Additionally, the attackers reportedly carted away a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted Vice Principal. The vehicle was later found burnt along a road leading into the forest.
The police also clarified that Community Grammar School operates within the same premises as L.A Primary School, Esinele.
Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, led security operatives to the scene for assessment and operational coordination.
According to the statement, tactical teams, operational assets and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to track down the attackers and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
The Command assured residents that intensive operations are ongoing and urged members of the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.
