Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed the killing of one teacher and the arrest of six suspects in connection with the recent abduction of schoolteachers in Ahoro-Esinle community, Oyo State.
The governor, in a statement issued on Monday in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic development and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.
Makinde also sympathised with the families of security personnel—including soldiers, operatives of the Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes—who lost their lives during the rescue operation.
According to him, the operatives were killed after encountering improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the abductors, while those injured in the mission are responding to treatment. He assured that the state government would provide full support for their recovery.
The governor disclosed that seven teachers were initially abducted during the incident, confirming that one of them, reportedly a mathematics teacher, was murdered by the kidnappers.
Despite the setback, he noted that security agencies have recorded progress, with six suspects apprehended within the community. He added that preliminary investigations suggest that some of those arrested may have served as informants or logistics suppliers to the kidnappers, while another security agency arrested three additional persons linked to the crime.
Makinde assured residents that the government is deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the safe release of the remaining victims still in captivity.
He appealed to the families of the abducted teachers, religious bodies and the general public to remain calm and patient as efforts to resolve the crisis continue, noting that while immediate outcomes may not be feasible, the government remains resolute in its commitment.
The governor also called for stronger collaboration among neighbouring states to curb the movement of criminal elements fleeing intensified military operations in northern Nigeria into the southern region.
He reiterated that the state government would continue to provide regular updates on the rescue efforts as security agencies sustain operations to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.
