The Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has launched an intensive forest and community-wide operation following the abduction of dozens of pupils and school staff in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Commandant of the corps, Col. Olayanju Olayinka (retd.), said Amotekun operatives were working with local hunters, vigilantes, police and other security agencies to track the attackers and rescue the victims.
“Our personnel are already combing the forests and suspected hideouts,” Olayinka said. “We are collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted children.”
The operation followed Friday’s attacks on schools in the Oriire area. Reports said heavily armed gunmen, some dressed in military camouflage, stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele and L.A. Primary School, abducting no fewer than 45 pupils and a teacher.
The Associated Press reported that police had detained three suspects identified by members of the community, though authorities were still working to confirm the exact number of children abducted. Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka said investigations were ongoing.
Security officials said Amotekun had intensified surveillance across forests, rural corridors and adjoining communities in Oriire, areas often used by criminal groups as escape routes. Patrol teams made up of Amotekun operatives and hunters from several local government areas have also been deployed toward Igbeti, Oloka and neighbouring communities.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to reinforce rescue operations in Oriire and surrounding forests.
The Oyo State Government has also visited affected communities and urged residents to remain calm while providing useful information to security agencies. Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal confirmed that casualties were recorded during the attack, including a teacher, while injured victims were receiving treatment in hospitals.
The abduction has triggered anxiety across the affected communities, with parents waiting for news of their children and residents fearing further attacks. It also marks a rare mass school abduction in southwestern Nigeria, where such incidents are less common than in the country’s northern region.
Officials say the priority remains the safe and swift rescue of the abducted pupils and staff.
