Fresh fear has gripped residents of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following reports that one of the teachers abducted during the attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele community has been killed by the kidnappers.
According to information circulating within the community on Sunday, one of the abducted teachers was reportedly beheaded while in captivity. The development has heightened anxiety among families of the remaining abducted teachers and pupils, as residents await official confirmation from security agencies.
The victims were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School on Friday. Armed assailants reportedly stormed the communities on motorcycles and abducted a total of 46 persons, including seven teachers and 39 students and pupils.
The teachers earlier reported missing include Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Principal of Community High School; Mr. Ojo Jonathan, Vice Principal; Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus; Mr. John Olaleye; Mr. Michael Oyedokun; Mrs. Oladeji; and Mary Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. The attackers were also said to have seized four motorcycles from villagers during the operation.
The latest development came days after a distress video surfaced online showing Mrs. Alamu appealing to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure the release of the abducted victims.
The Oyo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the abduction and announced the deployment of tactical teams and intelligence operatives to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Residents of the affected communities have continued to call for intensified rescue efforts amid growing concerns over the safety of the remaining abducted pupils and teachers.
