Fresh details have emerged following the deadly attack on three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as terrorists reportedly used a principal’s vehicle to transport abducted victims before setting the car ablaze.
The attack, which threw the affected communities into panic on Friday, targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
During the invasion, the armed attackers reportedly killed an assistant headmaster and abducted several pupils, teachers, and school officials.
A resident who spoke about the incident disclosed that the attackers forced some victims into the principal’s vehicle while escaping through difficult terrain.
According to the resident, the vehicle later developed a mechanical fault, forcing the gunmen to abandon and burn it.
“The schools are very close to each other, so the attack affected both at the same time. They used the principal’s car to move some of the abducted victims, but when the vehicle could not continue, they abandoned it and set it ablaze,” the resident said.
The burning of the vehicle reportedly intensified fear across the community, with many residents fleeing their homes over concerns that the attackers could return.
Confirming the incident, the Eleshi Ele of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, said the attackers stormed the area on eight motorcycles, with two armed men riding on each motorcycle.
The monarch explained that the attack began while a town hall meeting was ongoing in the community.
“We were having a town hall meeting when we suddenly heard gunshots. People started running in all directions. Later, we discovered they had attacked the schools, killed a teacher and abducted pupils and the principal,” he said.
Oba Abioye disclosed that the gunmen abducted pupils from both primary and secondary schools, including kindergarten children.
“They did not spare anyone. They abducted pupils from both primary and secondary schools, including very small children. We cannot even confirm the number yet,” the monarch added.
He further revealed that a motorcyclist who unknowingly crossed paths with the attackers was killed during the operation.
According to the traditional ruler, the gunmen also seized the deceased motorcyclist’s bike and used it while carrying out the attack.
Oba Abioye blamed the severity of the incident on the absence of a nearby police station, saying security operatives arrived long after the attackers had fled.
“The police station is far from our community. It took them about two hours before they arrived,” he lamented.
The attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, especially in rural communities where residents continue to complain about inadequate security presence.
