Terrorists who attacked three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday used the principal’s vehicle to move some abducted victims out of the community.
Panic had gripped the area after armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, killing an assistant headmaster and abducting several pupils and teachers.
A resident who spoke with Punch said the principal’s vehicle later developed a mechanical fault as the attackers fled through difficult terrain.
“The schools are very close to each other, so the attack affected both at the same time. They used the principal’s car to move some of the abducted victims, but when the vehicle could not continue, they abandoned it and set it ablaze,” the resident said.
The burning of the vehicle reportedly heightened panic, forcing many residents to flee their homes over fears of another attack.
Monarch Confirms Attack
The Eleshi Ele of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, said the attackers arrived on eight motorcycles, with two armed men on each motorcycle.
He said the attack started while a town hall meeting was ongoing.
“We were having a town hall meeting when we suddenly heard gunshots. People started running in all directions. Later, we discovered they had attacked the schools, killed a teacher and abducted pupils and the principal,” he said.
The monarch said even kindergarten pupils were abducted during the attack.
“They did not spare anyone. They abducted pupils from both primary and secondary schools, including very small children. We cannot even confirm the number yet,” he said.
Oba Abioye also confirmed that a motorcyclist who unknowingly ran into the attackers was killed, adding that the hoodlums seized his motorcycle and used it during the operation.
The traditional ruler blamed the scale of the attack on the absence of a nearby police station.
“The police station is far from our community. It took them about two hours before they arrived,” he said.