Gunmen have attacked two schools and surrounding communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing a teacher and abducting pupils, students and staff members.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 15, 2026, targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Friday.
According to the police, the attackers, who operated on motorcycles, invaded the schools simultaneously and abducted several victims, including the Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs Alamu Folawe.
The command said preliminary investigations showed that no pupil or student had been confirmed dead as of the time of filing the report. However, an assistant headmaster identified as Mr Adesiyan was killed during the attack.
The police also disclosed that an okada rider was shot dead after allegedly resisting attempts by the gunmen to seize his motorcycle.
According to the statement, the attackers also stole a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted vice principal before setting the vehicle ablaze along a road leading to the forest.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reportedly led security operatives and other service commanders to the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination.
The police said tactical teams, operational assets and intelligence platforms had been deployed to the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order, rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those behind the attack.
The command urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and provide useful information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.
Gunmen kill teacher, abduct school children, staff in Oyo communities’ attacks
