Parents across major towns in Oyo State have withdrawn their children from schools as fear spreads following a recent kidnapping incident in Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area. The abduction of pupils and staff has heightened security concerns, prompting a swift response from security agencies.
Schools Shut in Rising Anxiety
In Iseyin, multiple private schools shut down operations as parents rushed to pick up their wards amid growing uncertainty. Similar scenes occurred in Ogbomoso, where school authorities advised parents to take their children home early. The incident, described by residents as unprecedented in scale and boldness, has unsettled communities across Iseyin, Ogbomoso, and parts of Oriire.
Residents reported a tense atmosphere, with false rumors of armed group movements fueling anxiety. A student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) stated, "We don't know what to believe anymore. But it is better to be safe than sorry."
LAUTECH Students Panic After Rumors
Tension spread to LAUTECH in Ogbomoso after reports of strange movements around the Mayland axis. Unverified reports triggered panic, leading students to rush out of lecture halls and hostels. University authorities intervened to restore order and reassured students that there was no immediate threat. The management urged calm and cautioned against sharing unverified information, noting that security agencies were monitoring developments.
Government Response
The federal and state governments have activated security operations, and the Inspector General of Police visited the scene. Security sources confirmed contact with the abductors, with rescue operations ongoing in surrounding forests.
Related Incident
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State claimed he could end banditry in two months if given direct control over security agencies. He said he knows the precise locations of bandits but is hindered by current security arrangements.
