Panic in Oyo as gunmen kill teacher, abduct pupils; schools shut across four LGAs

The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) has ordered the immediate closure of schools across parts of the state following a deadly attack on LA School and Community Grammar School in the Ahoro-Esinle community of Oriire, where a teacher was killed and several pupils reportedly abducted by gunmen.

The tragic incident, described by the Board as a “dark and painful moment” for education in Oyo State, has thrown affected communities into grief and heightened concerns over the safety of schoolchildren in the area.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, expressed deep sorrow over the attack and extended condolences to the family of the slain teacher, as well as parents and residents of the affected community.

According to Dr. Adeniran, the teacher’s commitment and sacrifice to the education sector would never be forgotten, while assuring parents that the state government was taking urgent steps to secure the release of the abducted pupils.

He disclosed that the Board is currently working closely with the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, security agencies, and the Commissioner of Police to coordinate rescue operations and restore calm to the affected communities.

The OYOSUBEB chairman stated that tactical security teams have already been deployed to comb the surrounding areas using available intelligence resources, adding that security operatives remain fully engaged in efforts to ensure the safe return of the children and prevent further attacks.

As part of precautionary measures aimed at protecting pupils and preventing further security breaches, the Board directed the immediate closure of all primary schools in Oriire, Surulere, Oyo East, and Olorunsogo local government areas until further notice.

The Board appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating panic or disrupting ongoing rescue efforts.

Dr. Adeniran reassured parents and guardians that the state government would not relent until every abducted child is safely reunited with their families, noting that authorities remain in constant communication with security agencies as investigations and rescue operations continue.