Gunmen abduct school principal, students in Oyo community

Gunmen have abducted the principal of a secondary school and an unspecified number of students after invading a community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The incident occurred on Friday morning at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, between 8am and 9am.

Confirming the attack, spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the assailants stormed the school premises and whisked away the principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, alongside an unconfirmed number of students.

According to the police, the attackers also shot a teacher during the invasion, although the extent of the victim’s injuries had yet to be confirmed as of press time.

“The source also said a teacher was shot during the attack, though the extent of the injury has not been confirmed,” the statement read.

Police said the gunmen fled the scene in the principal’s vehicle before escaping into a forest reserve bordering the community.

Residents reportedly said the distance of the nearest police station delayed immediate security response to the attack.

The Oyo State Police Command added that the Commissioner of Police had deployed officers to the area for on-the-ground assessment and rescue operations.

Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.