Suspected gunmen have invaded a primary school Ahoro-Esinele community in Oyo state, killing a teacher with yet-to-be confirmed number of students abducted.
The incident occurred at LA School and Community Grammar School in Oriire Local Government Area of the state
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
As contained in the statement signed by the Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, Nureni Adeniran, a search and rescue mission had been launched by security operatives for the kidnapped pupils whose exact number is yet to be ascertained.
The board described the incident as painful and unfortunate, noting that the attack has thrown the education community in the state into mourning.
According to reports, the OYOSUBEB assured parents and residents that security agencies, under the coordination of the Commissioner of Police, have taken full control of the situation, while a tactical response team has been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils.
Meanwhile, the board had issued a directive imploring all primary schools in neighbouring local government areas, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire and Olorunsogo, to vacate immediately until further notice as part of efforts to prevent further security threats.
While appealing for calm, the board urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, assuring families that government would continue working towards the safe return of the abducted pupils.
The Oyo State Police Command, when contacted, said the situation was still under investigation, adding that the Commissioner of Police was on his way to the scene of the incident.