Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed that suspected local informants allegedly working with terrorists behind the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been arrested, as the government intensifies efforts to secure the release of the victims.
The governor made this known on Sunday after a high-level security review meeting with security advisers and service commanders over the attack that occurred at Ahoro Esinle Community in Oriire Local Government Area.
Makinde said the state government was working round the clock to rescue the seven abducted teachers and an unconfirmed number of pupils kidnapped during the incident, assuring residents that every available strategy was being deployed to ensure the safe return of the victims.
He, however, confirmed the death of one of the abducted teachers, said to be a Mathematics teacher, describing the development as painful and tragic.
The governor commiserated with the bereaved family and also sympathised with security operatives injured during rescue operations.
According to him, some members of the joint tactical team comprising soldiers, Amotekun operatives, local hunters and vigilantes sustained injuries after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors while attempting to rescue the victims.
Makinde noted that the injured operatives were responding positively to treatment, adding that the state government would bear the cost of their medical care.
“We just finished a review of the security situation in the local government area where the abduction of some teachers and schoolchildren took place,” the governor said.
“First, let me appeal to the families involved that their government is working round the clock to tackle this challenge.
“We also have wounded soldiers, hunters and other operatives who are recovering, and the government will continue to take responsibility for their treatment and welfare.”
The governor revealed that security agencies had already recorded some breakthroughs in the ongoing operation, with several suspects arrested within the affected community.
“From the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them, we believe, are informants or people handling logistics for the terrorists. Also, three other persons of interest have been arrested by another security outfit in the state,” he stated.
Makinde explained that the government had adopted both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in addressing the crisis, stressing that while security forces were actively pursuing the abductors, efforts were also being made through other channels to secure the victims’ release without further casualties.
He appealed to residents, community leaders and religious groups to remain calm and patient, noting that the situation was delicate and required strategic handling.
“We are not taking this situation lightly. We understand the anger and concern among our people, especially leaders and residents in Oriire Local Government.
“But we must recognise that this is a difficult and challenging situation. There may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to push ourselves to the limit to resolve it quickly and safely,” he added.
Speaking on the growing threat of terrorist movements into southern states, the governor said sustained military pressure against bandits and terrorists in the North-West and North-East had forced many criminal elements to migrate southward.
He disclosed that his administration was already engaging neighbouring states, including Kwara State, on collaborative security measures aimed at preventing the infiltration of criminal groups into Oyo State.
“The governor of Kwara State has spoken with me. When terrorists face pressure in one region, they tend to move elsewhere. So, we must strengthen our security architecture to repel or neutralise such threats before they gain ground,” Makinde said.
The governor further assured residents that his administration would continue to strengthen security around vulnerable locations such as schools, factories and major highways across the state.
He also promised that the government would provide regular updates on the rescue operation through daily briefings to keep residents informed of ongoing efforts.