Tension In Oyo As Govt Shuts Schools In Four LGAs After Abduction Of Principal, Students
By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa
The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) in compliance with the instructions of the government, has ordered the closure of schools in Oriire LGA.
The order came on the heels of a kidnap incident recorded in parts of the council on Friday which has heightened tension in the local government and the entire Oyo state.
Reacting to the worrisome development, OYOSUBEB directed all primary schools in neighbouring communities, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire and Olorunsogo LGAs, to vacate their premises until further notice.
In statement issued by Nureni Adeniran, executive chairman of OYOSUBEB, the board noted that the attack occurred at LA School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle.
He said a teacher was killed and the exact number of abducted pupils had yet to be ascertained as security agencies were still combing the affected areas.
“This is a dark and painful moment for our education family in Oyo State, and our hearts are with the affected parents, teachers and the entire community,” he said.
“We understand the fear and anxiety this situation has caused, and we want to assure our parents and stakeholders that the safety of our children remains our utmost priority.”
The OYOSUBEB chairman said security operatives, under the coordination of the commissioner of police, had deployed a tactical response team to the area.
According to him, intelligence and operational measures are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and restore peace to the community.
He said the temporary closure was aimed at preventing further attacks and allowing security agencies to stabilise the situation in the area.
The chairman appealed to parents, guardians and community leaders to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
“We mourn with the family of the teacher whose life was tragically cut short. His service, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said.
Adeniran also urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic among the public.
Recall that in the early hours of Friday, gunmen stormed Community High School Ahoro-Esinle and abducted the principal and several students of the school.
According to reports the attacks took place between 8am and 9am on Friday while students were just settling down for the day’s academic activities.
