By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) has confirmed that gunmen attacked two schools in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area, killing a teacher and abducting several pupils.
The Board disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, describing the incident as a painful tragedy for the state’s education sector.
According to OYOSUBEB, the attack occurred at LA School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, with security agencies still working to determine the exact number of pupils taken.
“This is a dark and painful moment for our education family in Oyo State, and our hearts are with the affected parents, teachers, and the entire community,” the statement said.
The Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, said security operatives had launched a response under the coordination of the state Commissioner of Police to rescue the children and restore calm.
He stated: “A tactical response team has been deployed, and all necessary intelligence and operational measures are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the pupils and to restore peace to the community.”
The Board said as a precautionary measure, all primary schools in neighbouring local government areas, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire and Olorunsogo, had been directed to close temporarily.
It said the decision was taken to prevent further attacks and allow security agencies to stabilise the area.
Adediran added: “This temporary measure is to prevent any secondary incidents and to allow security agencies to thoroughly stabilise the area.”
The Board urged parents and residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while rescue efforts continue.
It also paid tribute to the teacher killed during the attack, describing his death as a painful loss to the education community.
“His service, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the statement added.
Authorities said updates would be provided as investigations continue and efforts intensify to secure the releas
e of the abducted pupils.
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