Security operatives have reportedly trapped suspected kidnappers responsible for the attack on LA School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinle, located in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as efforts intensify to rescue abducted pupils and staff members.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan, stating that the suspects were confined within a section of the Old Oyo National Park following coordinated security operations.
According to the commissioner, all possible escape routes have been sealed to prevent the kidnappers from fleeing into neighbouring states, particularly Kwara State.
“The kidnappers have been effectively confined within the National Park axis following coordinated security operations aimed at preventing their movement into neighbouring states,” Oyelade said.
The attack, which occurred on Friday, reportedly led to the death of a teacher, while several pupils, teachers, and school principals were abducted.
Oyelade explained that a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Agro Rangers, and the Amotekun Corps was immediately launched after the incident.
He added that the Commissioner of Police activated the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and also coordinated with security authorities in Kwara State to strengthen border surveillance and block escape routes.
Security agencies, supported by local hunters from communities in the Oke-Ogun area, have since intensified patrols around the national park after intelligence reports indicated that the suspects were still hiding within the area.
Despite the ongoing operation, the commissioner said security operatives had yet to establish direct contact with the abductors. He also noted that authorities were still working to determine the exact number of victims in captivity due to difficulties in obtaining accurate school records.
“This has made the rescue operation more difficult. What we are trying to do now is locate their position and apply pressure,” he stated.
Oyelade assured residents that security agencies remained committed to securing the safe release of the victims and restoring normalcy to the affected communities.
He also highlighted the state government’s investment in security infrastructure, revealing that the Amotekun Corps currently operates 181 vehicles, 450 motorcycles, and more than 2,500 personnel across Oyo State.
