Makinde Confirms Killing of Abducted Teacher as Rescue Efforts Continue in Oyo

Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed the killing of one of the teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims.

By Chisom Adaeze

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed the death of one of the teachers abducted during a recent attack in Ahoro Dada Community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims.

The governor disclosed the development after a high-level security review meeting with security chiefs and tactical commanders following the abduction of several teachers and schoolchildren in the area.

According to Makinde, intelligence and video evidence 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 was killed by the terrorists,” the governor said.

Makinde described the killing as tragic and extended condolences to the family of the deceased teacher, while assuring residents that efforts to rescue the remaining abductees remain ongoing.

The governor revealed that combined tactical teams involving the Nigerian Army, police personnel, Amotekun Corps operatives, local hunters, and vigilante groups have been deployed to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims.

However, he disclosed that some members of the rescue team were injured after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors during operations in the area.

Despite the setback, Makinde said security agencies had made progress in investigations, with several suspects already arrested in connection with the incident.

According to the governor, some of those arrested are believed to be informants and logistics suppliers assisting the criminal network behind the abduction.

Makinde also warned that increasing military pressure against terrorists and bandits in the North-East and North-West is forcing many criminal groups to migrate toward southern parts of the country, including the South-West.

He stressed the need for states in the region to strengthen local security systems and intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities and institutions.

“We must recognize that with increased pressure on terrorists in other regions, some of them are moving southwards. We have to remain vigilant and prepared,” he stated.

The governor appealed to residents, community leaders, and affected families to remain calm, assuring them that the government is deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to manage the crisis.

He further pledged that the state government would continue to strengthen security around schools, communities, and major transport routes across Oyo State.

The abduction has renewed concerns over the growing spread of insecurity into parts of the South-West, with analysts warning that kidnapping networks and armed groups are increasingly expanding beyond their traditional strongholds in northern Nigeria.

Security experts have also called for deeper collaboration between federal security agencies, state-backed outfits, and local intelligence networks to combat the evolving threat of armed criminal groups across the country.