The principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has appealed to the Federal Government, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and Nigerians to help secure the release of teachers and students abducted during an attack on schools in Oyo State.
Armed men reportedly stormed LA Primary School and Community High School in the Ahoro-Esiele community of Oriire Local Government Area on Friday, abducting several pupils, students, and staff members.
The attack also reportedly claimed the life of a teacher, while Mrs. Alamu, two vice principals, and three teachers were taken away by the gunmen.
In a video recorded from captivity, the visibly distressed principal narrated how the incident unfolded.
“I am Mrs. Alamu, principal of Community High School in Oyo State. On Friday around 9:30am, we were attacked by a group of armed men and many of us were abducted,” she said while pleading for urgent intervention from authorities and concerned Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government said security agencies had intensified efforts to rescue the victims and prevent the abductors from escaping.
The state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed that security operatives had sealed off suspected escape routes around the National Park axis following the attack.
According to him, joint rescue operations involving the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Agro Rangers, Amotekun operatives, and local hunters were already underway.
Authorities said intelligence reports suggested the abductors were still within the forest areas of Oyo State, prompting intensified patrols across several communities in the Oke-Ogun region.
The commissioner added that officials were still working to determine the exact number of missing pupils and students, noting that school authorities had yet to provide complete records.
Residents have continued to express concern over the growing insecurity affecting schools and rural communities, while families of the victims await further updates on rescue efforts.