Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed the arrest of nine suspects in connection with the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where gunmen abducted teachers and reportedly killed one victim.
Makinde disclosed the development after a high-level security meeting with service commanders and heads of security agencies in Ibadan, describing the incident as “difficult and challenging” for the state.
According to the governor, six suspects were arrested within the affected community, while three additional persons of interest were apprehended by another security outfit operating in the state.
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He said preliminary investigations suggest some of those arrested may have acted as informants or logistics suppliers for the kidnappers.
“The information available is that about six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them we believe are informants,” Makinde said.
The governor also confirmed the killing of one of the abducted teachers, identified as a mathematics teacher, after security operatives reportedly received a disturbing video from the kidnappers.
“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. Unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers was killed by the terrorists,” he stated.
Makinde expressed condolences to the victim’s family and also sympathised with security personnel who lost their lives during rescue operations.
According to him, soldiers, operatives of the Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes died after encountering improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the abductors.
He added that injured personnel were responding positively to treatment and assured residents that the government would cover the cost of their medical care.
The governor stressed that the state would combine military operations with dialogue and intelligence gathering to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“We have decided that we will adopt not just a kinetic approach. We are engaging leaders, elders and religious leaders,” Makinde said, adding that consultations were ongoing with the Baptist Convention because one of the affected schools belongs to the church.
Security concerns have intensified across parts of the South-West in recent months amid fears that armed groups displaced from the North-West and North-East are moving into new territories under pressure from military offensives.
Makinde acknowledged the growing regional threat, warning that states in the South-West must strengthen security coordination to prevent further attacks.
“With the pressure on terrorists and bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southwards,” the governor said.
“The problem is that when you have pressure in one place, we must also be prepared on this side to repel or neutralise terrorists fleeing those pressure points.”
He revealed that he had already begun discussions with neighbouring governors, including the governor of Kwara State, on cross-border security collaboration.
The governor appealed to families of the abducted victims, religious organisations and residents to remain calm while rescue efforts continue.
“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly,” he assured.
Makinde also announced that the state government would begin daily press briefings to provide updates on the rescue operation and ongoing investigations.
The abduction has triggered widespread concern in Oyo State, with residents and civil society groups demanding stronger protection for schools and rural communities vulnerable to attacks.
Security agencies are continuing operations in the affected areas as efforts intensify to rescue the remaining victims and dismantle the criminal network behind the attack.
