Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, says seven teachers were abducted during the recent attack on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state, while the exact number of missing pupils is still being determined.
Makinde disclosed this on Sunday while addressing newsmen on the security situation following the invasion of the schools by suspected gunmen.
The Governor had earlier met with service commanders and heads of security agencies in the state to receive an update on the kidnapping incident.
He revealed that an Islamic Studies teacher was killed during the attack, adding that security agencies had already arrested six suspects within the community and three other persons of interest in connection with the incident.
Makinde said the attackers are believed to be members of armed groups fleeing intensified military operations against terrorists and bandits in the North-West.
“With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward,” he said.
Makinde noted that he had been engaging with authorities in other states over the growing security threat, warning that terrorists displaced from conflict zones could take advantage of areas with weak security presence.
“But the problem that we have is when you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points,” he stated.
The governor further disclosed that preliminary intelligence reports suggested that some of those arrested might have acted as informants for the attackers within the affected communities.
“The information available is that about six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them we believe are informants. Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested,” Makinde added.
He stressed that the state government would not rely solely on military action in tackling the crisis, noting that consultations were ongoing with religious and community leaders, including officials of the Baptist Convention, as one of the affected schools is owned by the church.
“We have decided that we will adopt not just a kinetic approach. We are engaging leaders, elders and religious leaders, especially at the Baptist Convention,” he said.
Makinde appealed to residents to remain calm and assured families of the abducted victims that efforts were underway to secure their safe return.
“We are not taking this lightly. We will do everything within our means to resolve this quickly and bring our children back safely,” the governor assured.
Describing the development as “very difficult and challenging,” Makinde announced that the state government would commence daily press briefings to keep residents updated on rescue operations and security efforts.
