The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board has ordered the closure of schools in parts of Oyo State following the abduction of students and a school principal in Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Friday at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, where gunmen reportedly attacked the school between 8am and 9am.
According to reports, the attackers abducted the principal alongside several students during the raid.
In response, OYOSUBEB directed all primary schools in neighbouring communities across Oriire, Surulere, Oyo East and Olorunsogo LGAs to shut down indefinitely over security concerns.
Nureni Adeniran, executive chairman of OYOSUBEB, said the attack also affected LA School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinle.
He confirmed that a teacher was killed during the incident, while authorities were still working to determine the exact number of abducted pupils.
“This is a dark and painful moment for our education family in Oyo State, and our hearts are with the affected parents, teachers and the entire community,” Adeniran said.
“We understand the fear and anxiety this situation has caused, and we want to assure our parents and stakeholders that the safety of our children remains our utmost priority.”
He added that security operatives, under the coordination of the commissioner of police, had deployed a tactical response team to the affected communities.
According to him, intelligence and rescue operations are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted pupils and restore peace in the area.
Adeniran said the temporary closure of schools was necessary to prevent further attacks and allow security agencies stabilise the affected communities.
He also appealed to parents, guardians and community leaders to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, while urging residents to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.
