Makinde Confirms Killing of Abducted Teacher in Oyo, Vows Rescue of Remaining Victims

Governor Seyi Makinde confirms the killing of one abducted teacher in Oyo State and vows intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victims kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.

By Folarin Aluko

Seyi Makinde has confirmed the killing of one of the teachers abducted during a recent attack in Ahoro Dada Community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while assuring residents that efforts to rescue the remaining victims are ongoing.

The governor disclosed the development on Sunday following a high-level security review meeting with security advisers and service commanders over the abduction of seven teachers and several pupils by armed attackers suspected to be terrorists.

According to Makinde, information received by the government confirmed that one of the kidnapped teachers, believed to be a Mathematics teacher, was killed by the abductors.

“What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. Unfortunately, we received a video this morning indicating that one of the teachers, understood to be the Mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists. Our prayers are with the family,” the governor said.

The tragic development has intensified concerns over rising insecurity and attacks on schools in parts of the South-West, with fears growing over the increasing movement of armed groups into previously safer regions.

Makinde expressed condolences to the family of the deceased teacher and also sympathized with members of the tactical rescue teams, including soldiers, operatives of the Amotekun Corps, hunters, and local vigilantes who sustained injuries during rescue operations.

The governor revealed that some operatives encountered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors while attempting to track down the victims.

Despite the setback, he said the injured personnel were responding positively to treatment and assured that the state government would cover all medical expenses related to the operation.

Makinde stressed that the government had intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to secure the release of the remaining abductees, adding that security agencies are working around the clock to resolve the crisis.

“We are doing everything within our power to resolve this situation quickly and bring our children back safely,” he stated.

The governor also appealed for calm among residents, community leaders, and religious groups as tension continues to rise across affected communities.

According to him, several tactical teams involving the police, military personnel, Amotekun operatives, hunters, and other local security actors have already been deployed to pursue the abductors.

Makinde disclosed that security agencies had made progress in the investigation, revealing that at least six suspects had been arrested within the local community.

He added that the arrested individuals are believed to be informants and logistics suppliers linked to the criminal network responsible for the abduction.

Another three persons of interest were reportedly apprehended by separate security outfits operating within the state.

The governor further linked the worsening security situation in parts of the South-West to intensified military offensives against terrorists and bandits in the North-West and North-East regions.

According to him, the increased pressure on criminal groups in northern Nigeria may be forcing some armed elements to migrate toward southern states in search of new operational bases.

“We must appreciate the fact that with the pressure on terrorists and bandits in the North-West and North-East, they will keep moving southwards,” Makinde said.

The governor noted that discussions have already taken place between him and the governor of Kwara State regarding the growing regional security threat.

He assured residents that the Oyo State government would continue strengthening security architecture around vulnerable locations including schools, highways, factories, and rural communities.

The attack has once again renewed national conversations about school security, intelligence gathering, and the broader challenge of terrorism and kidnapping across Nigeria.

Security analysts warn that the spread of violent criminal activity into southern parts of the country highlights the need for stronger inter-state cooperation, improved surveillance systems, and increased investment in local security operations.

As rescue operations continue, residents across Oyo State remain anxious while awaiting the safe return of the remaining abducted teachers and pupils.