Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul Raheem Adebayo Lawal, on Sunday led a government delegation on a condolence visit to communities in Oriire Local Government Area affected by Friday’s school abduction.
The delegation visited Yawota and Esiele in Oriire South, where armed men attacked several schools and abducted students and staff.
The team equally met with families of the victims and assured them of the state’s commitment to securing the safe release of those abducted.
During the visit, the Deputy Governor noted that the state government, under Governor Seyi Makinde, had responded swiftly since the incident. He stated that security agencies had engaged the suspected kidnappers in the bush, leading to the neutralization of about three of them.
“We have pacified the residents and given assurances that those abducted will be rescued and brought back,” he told journalists after visiting victims at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital and Bowen University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso.
According to the Deputy Governor, the attackers targeted Esiele and Yawota around Ahorodada, abducting pupils and staff from LA Basic School Ahoro Esiele, Community High School, and a private primary school.
He said the state immediately deployed logistical and operational support to enable security agencies to respond and to ensure injured victims received treatment.
Barr. Lawal however noted that the incident showed bandits were operating close to communities, particularly along the fringes of forest reserves.
He said the government will continue to strengthen security architecture in vulnerable areas including Saki West, Saki East, Irepo, Iseyin, Ibarapa, Igbeti, and Oriire.
“We are asking residents to remain vigilant. If you notice any unusual movement, report it to security agencies so that prompt action can be taken,” he said.
The Deputy Governor confirmed that one person and one teacher had lost their lives in the attack, but said the exact number of those abducted had not been verified as at the time of filling this report.
He, however, directed Oriire and Surulere local governments chairmen to submit comprehensive reports by Monday morning.
“Until we do proper verification, we cannot put a figure to those abducted. For now, figures circulating in the media cannot be taken as correct,” he said.
Barr. Lawal added that Security forces, including the garrison commander, police, DSS, NSCDC, and local hunters, were still in the bush pursuing the attackers.
While warning that Oyo State Government would not tolerate banditry, he reiterated that: “Oyo State is not giving an inch for banditry and criminality. The government is doing everything required to ensure adequate security so that citizens can live in peace”.
The delegation included Commissioner for Education Segun Olayiwola, Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade, Chairman of the Oyo State Project Performance Monitoring Agency Hon. Muftau Open Salawu, and Special Adviser on Security Matters Sunday Odukoya, among others.
