A video showing the abducted principal and teacher of a school in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has gone viral on social media. They were among those kidnapped on Friday by gunmen who attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School in Ogbomoso, all in Oriire Local Government Area.
Victims Plead for Help
In the video, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, Alamu F.O., stated that the attack occurred at about 9:30 am on Friday. “We have been here since Friday. I’m making this video to ask for help from everyone, starting from the federal government, Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, Christian Association of Nigeria, and all well-meaning Nigerians,” she pleaded. “Come to our help and settle this thing peacefully so that our lives will not be lost.”
Another video showed a woman with a baby, who identified herself as Temitope, a worker at First Baptist Church, Yawota. She cried for help, saying, “Please help us. We need help. Tinubu, please help us. Our governor, Seyi Makinde, please help us. The children are here crying. Please help us so that we won’t waste our lives.”
Police Response and Investigation
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed it has received the video currently circulating across various media platforms regarding the recent abduction incident. In a statement on Sunday, the command said the footage is undergoing a comprehensive forensic examination to determine its authenticity and further aid ongoing investigations, rescue operations, and the identification and arrest of the perpetrators.
The command reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safe return and reunification of all abducted persons with their families. It said intensive operational, intelligence-driven, and tactical efforts in collaboration with other security agencies are ongoing to secure the victims unharmed and bring all those responsible to justice.
Details of the Attack
In another statement, the command said the assailants, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School/LA Primary School, Esiele, abducting some pupils, students, and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe. “It is important to state that as at the time of filing this report, no pupil or student has been confirmed killed during the incident. Sadly, one Assistant Headmaster, identified as Mr. Adesiyan, was killed during the attack. In a related development, an okada rider who reportedly resisted attempts by the attackers to forcefully take his motorcycle was also shot dead,” the command said.
The command further stated that Community Grammar School, Esiele, operates within the same premises as LA Primary School, Esiele. The attackers, after abducting some victims, also took away a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal and later set the vehicle ablaze along the road leading to the forest. Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, immediately led operatives alongside other service commanders to the scene for on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination, while simultaneously directing a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators.
