Oyo School Kidnap: Security Agencies Synergise to Rescue Abducted Students, Teachers as Fighter Jets, Police Helicopter Remain on Standby
Source: Vanguard Newspaper
Suspected gunmen who abducted 39 students and seven teachers from Ahoro Esinle community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication with the government and demanded ransom for the release of the victims.
Although the exact amount being demanded remains undisclosed, sources familiar with the negotiations said indirect talks are ongoing between the abductors and relevant authorities.
The incident, which has sparked widespread concern across the state, also led to the reported killing and beheading of a teacher, Michael Oyedokun.
As anxiety grows over the continued captivity of the victims, families of those abducted are mounting pressure on both the Federal and Oyo State governments to secure their safe release.
Sources disclosed that security agencies have intensified operations in the area, with a police helicopter and fighter jets placed on standby as security operatives continue coordinated rescue efforts across forests suspected to be hideouts for the kidnappers.
Efforts to rescue the victims are reportedly being coordinated jointly by the Oyo State Government, the Police, the military, and the Department of State Services.
“The kidnappers have made demands, but the details are being kept confidential for security reasons. Indirect negotiations are ongoing,” a source said.
Another source confirmed that security agencies have significantly stepped up aerial surveillance and tactical operations in the affected areas.
“Police helicopter and fighter jets are on standby as security agencies continue coordinated operations to secure the safe release of the victims,” the source added.
The source further assured that the state government is committed to securing the release of the abducted students and teachers.
“The government will not spare resources to bring the victims back alive. Human lives are more important than money or ego,” the source stated.
Meanwhile, the family of the slain teacher, Mr. Oyedokun Olugbade, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to help recover his remains for proper burial.
In a letter written through their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, the family urged the President to direct security and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts toward locating the body and rescuing the remaining victims still in captivity.
The incident has also reignited calls for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Leaders of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara and Kabiru Turaki, raised concerns over the worsening insecurity during a visit to Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan.
Speaking after the meeting, Turaki stressed the need for urgent reforms, arguing that governors cannot effectively function as chief security officers of their states without direct control over security agencies.
“Our security structure urgently needs reform. Governors are called Chief Security Officers, yet they lack operational control over the agencies responsible for security within their states,” he said.
Also reacting to the development, Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, said his Iru Ekun Security Network is ready to collaborate with conventional security agencies once federal approval is granted.
Igboho stated that the outfit had completed its registration process and would support efforts to flush out kidnappers, terrorists, and other criminal elements from forests across the South-West.
The abduction has further heightened concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the South-West, particularly in rural communities where residents and farmers increasingly face threats from armed groups.