Oyo school abduction: Rescue efforts ongoing beneath surface — Husband of kidnapped principal

Efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils, teachers and school administrators in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have intensified, with the husband of one of the kidnapped principals, Professor Wole Alamu, assuring Nigerians that security agencies are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safe return of the victims.

Professor Alamu, whose wife, Mrs. Folawe Alamu, principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, was among those abducted during the coordinated attack on schools in the area, disclosed this during a telephone interview with Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

The university don appealed for restraint in public commentary surrounding the ongoing rescue operations, warning that premature disclosure of sensitive information could compromise efforts being carried out by security agencies.

“We are going to grant interview, but not now. The work is seriously being done underneath. Anything you say now may jeopardise the rescue operations,” he stated.

Professor Alamu also commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and security operatives for what he described as coordinated and relentless efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted victims.

The abduction incident, which has continued to attract national concern, followed a deadly attack by armed hoodlums on schools within the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area.

During the invasion, gunmen reportedly attacked Community Grammar School, Esiele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and L.A Primary School, abducting several pupils, students, teachers and school administrators.

The attack also claimed lives, with the Oyo State Police Command confirming the killing of an assistant headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan and an okada rider during the assault. Earlier reports also indicated that a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the attackers.

The incident drew wider attention after a viral video surfaced online showing Mrs. Folawe Alamu emotionally appealing to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies, the Christian Association of Nigeria and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure the release of the abductees.

In the emotional footage, the visibly distressed principal lamented that the victims had remained in captivity since the attack on the schools.

Meanwhile, security operations have been intensified across affected communities and forest corridors believed to be harbouring the abductors.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reportedly arrived in Oyo State to personally oversee a technology-driven rescue mission involving the deployment of the Police Intelligence Response Team and other tactical units.

Governor Makinde also revealed that two newly acquired surveillance aircraft were being prepared to provide aerial intelligence and monitoring over forest areas suspected to be hideouts for the kidnappers.

Security agencies further disclosed that several suspects had been arrested for allegedly serving as informants to the abductors by helping them navigate routes around the Old Oyo National Park and nearby communities.

Despite the growing pressure from concerned Nigerians, the Oyo State Government maintained that while it remained committed to dialogue and every lawful means necessary to secure the victims’ release, it would not finance ransom payments.

Reacting to the development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the killing of one of the abducted teachers, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President assured Nigerians that security agencies were working around the clock to rescue the victims and bring those responsible to justice.

“The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon. The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read.

President Tinubu also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, urging the National Assembly to accelerate legislative processes toward its creation as part of broader efforts to strengthen security architecture and address rising insecurity in underserved communities across the country