Home / War and Conflict / Chaos Erupts as Gunmen Raid Oyo Schools, Kidnap Many
Chaos Erupts as Gunmen Raid Oyo Schools, Kidnap Many
17 May
Summary
- Armed terrorists attacked three schools in Oyo State on Friday.
- An assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were killed in the coordinated assault.
- Many pupils and teachers were abducted by the attackers who arrived on motorcycles.
Terrorists launched a coordinated attack on three schools in Orire Local Government Area, Oyo State, on Friday, causing widespread panic. The assault occurred around 9 am, with assailants arriving on motorcycles and firing sporadically. During the chaos, the assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School was killed while attempting to escape. An okada rider was also fatally caught in the crossfire.
The attackers abducted the principal of Community Grammar School, five teachers, and an unspecified number of pupils. They reportedly used the principal's vehicle to transport some victims before abandoning and burning it as they fled into a nearby forest reserve. Security agencies have initiated a search and rescue operation.
The incident highlights security gaps in rural communities, as the nearest police station is reportedly two hours away. The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board ordered the temporary closure of schools in Oriire and surrounding local government areas to prevent further attacks.
Separately, on the same Friday morning, gunmen attacked a school in Mussa community, near Sambisa Forest in Borno State, with an unspecified number of pupils reportedly abducted. Both incidents add to a growing list of school kidnappings across Nigeria.
