KEY POINTS

• Seyi Makinde confirmed that one abducted mathematics teacher was killed in captivity after terrorists attacked schools in Oriire, Ogbomoso.
• Seven teachers were abducted during the assault, while security agencies have arrested nine suspects linked to the attack.
• Amotekun operatives were injured by improvised explosive devices during rescue efforts

Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that one of the teachers abducted during the recent terrorist attack on schools in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has been killed by the kidnappers.

Makinde disclosed this on Sunday during a press briefing while providing updates on efforts to rescue victims abducted during the coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Describing the incident as “difficult and challenging,” the governor said the state government was intensifying security operations and exploring multiple strategies to secure the release of the remaining captives.

According to him, the government received a disturbing video from the abductors confirming the killing of one of the victims, identified as a mathematics teacher.

“What we know is that seven teachers in all were abducted and unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, the maths teacher, was killed by the terrorists this morning,” Makinde said.

Authorities, however, are yet to officially confirm the exact number of schoolchildren abducted during the attack.

The attack occurred on Friday when heavily armed gunmen riding on motorcycles stormed communities within the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota axis of Oriire in Ogbomoso.

The assailants reportedly invaded Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, abducting teachers, students and other staff members.

The incident also left an assistant headmaster, identified as Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist dead.

The brazen attack triggered widespread fear across Oyo State and neighbouring communities, with many residents expressing concern over the growing insecurity targeting schools and rural communities.

Captivity Videos Spark Public Outrage

Following the attack, videos recorded by the abducted victims from captivity began circulating on social media, sparking outrage and concern nationwide.

One of the videos featured Mrs. Racheal Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, pleading passionately with the government and Nigerians to intervene before the kidnappers begin killing victims.

The emotional footage intensified pressure on security agencies and the Oyo State Government to accelerate rescue operations.

The kidnappers have yet to publicly state any ransom demands.

Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that security agencies had already arrested several suspects linked to the attack.

According to him, six individuals were apprehended within the affected communities over alleged involvement in providing information and logistics support to the terrorists.

Makinde added that another three “persons of interest” had also been taken into custody in connection with the attack.

“The information available from the commissioner of police is that six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them were believed to perhaps be informants to people running logistics for the terrorists,” he stated.

Security agencies are continuing investigations to determine the level of involvement of the suspects and identify other collaborators.