Fear and tension continue to spread across parts of Oyo State following the shocking attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area, as the Oyo State Government has now confirmed that suspected kidnappers behind the invasion have been trapped within the National Park axis after an aggressive security crackdown.
According to the state government, coordinated operations involving multiple security agencies have successfully sealed off major escape routes, preventing the armed suspects from fleeing into neighbouring states, especially Kwara State.
The attack, which targeted LA School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over rising insecurity in parts of South-West Nigeria.
Reports revealed that the gunmen stormed the schools during the early hours, causing panic among pupils, teachers, and residents of the community. The incident reportedly led to the killing of a teacher and a motorcycle rider, while several pupils, school officials, and teachers were abducted by the attackers.
In a statement issued by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government disclosed that security personnel have now surrounded the forest corridors linked to the Old Oyo National Park, effectively restricting the movement of the kidnappers.
“The suspects have been effectively confined within the National Park axis following coordinated security operations aimed at preventing their movement into neighbouring states,” the statement noted.
Authorities said the operation involves the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Agro Rangers, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and intelligence units working together to track the abductors and rescue the victims safely.
Security patrols reportedly intensified on Saturday morning after intelligence reports suggested that the gunmen were still hiding within the forest reserve area around the National Park. Three major patrol teams made up of Amotekun operatives and hunters from seven local government areas in Oke-Ogun were deployed through Igbeti, Oloka, and surrounding communities to tighten surveillance and block any possible escape path.
The state government also confirmed that the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, has been working closely with security agencies in neighbouring Kwara State to ensure the suspects do not cross state boundaries unnoticed.
Despite the progress in the operation, officials admitted that authorities are still struggling to determine the exact number of abducted pupils and staff members because schools affected by the attack have not yet provided complete attendance and student records.
The disturbing incident has once again raised serious questions about security around rural schools and border communities in Oyo State. Many residents have accused authorities of failing to act early despite repeated warnings about criminal activities around forest zones linking Oyo and Kwara states.
Security analysts have also warned that criminal groups are increasingly exploiting isolated forest corridors across Nigeria for kidnapping operations, especially in communities with limited security presence. Similar attacks in recent years have exposed the vulnerability of schools and rural settlements to armed gangs seeking ransom payments.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier described the incident as another painful reminder of the urgent need for improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies.
Meanwhile, anxious parents and residents of Ahoro-Esinele continue to wait for positive news as rescue operations intensify inside the National Park area. Community leaders have called on the Federal Government and security authorities to strengthen surveillance across vulnerable forest routes and prevent future attacks on schools.
As pressure mounts on the trapped suspects, many residents are hoping the ongoing operation will lead to the safe rescue of all abducted victims and deliver justice for those killed during the terrifying attack.
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