The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) has confirmed the death of a teacher and the abduction of several pupils, students and staff members following an attack on LA School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday morning, May 15, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Executive Chairman of the board, Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, OYOSUBEB described the incident as tragic and heartbreaking, adding that the exact number of abducted pupils was yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue rescue operations in the area.
The board said the attack had thrown the state’s education community into mourning.
As part of precautionary measures, OYOSUBEB directed all primary schools in neighbouring local government areas, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire and Olorunsogo, to close immediately until further notice to prevent further security threats.
“The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board expresses deep sorrow over the unfortunate attack on LA School and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, which led to the killing of a teacher and the kidnapping of some pupils,” the statement said.
“This is a painful moment for the education family in Oyo State, and our thoughts are with the affected parents, teachers and the entire community.”
Adeniran assured residents that security agencies were fully engaged in efforts to rescue the victims and restore calm to the area.
According to him, a tactical response team has been deployed under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, while intelligence and operational measures are ongoing to secure the release of those abducted.
He appealed to parents and community leaders to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could create panic.
“We want to assure parents that their children will not be abandoned. The government remains committed to ensuring every abducted child is safely returned,” he added.
The board also mourned the slain teacher, describing his service and sacrifice as invaluable.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed that an intensive rescue and manhunt operation had been launched following the coordinated attack.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, simultaneously invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School/L.A Primary School, Esiele.
The attackers reportedly abducted pupils, students and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe.
Olayinka clarified that no pupil or student had been confirmed dead as of the time of the report, but an assistant headmaster identified as Mr Adesiyan was killed during the attack.
He further disclosed that a commercial motorcycle rider was shot dead after allegedly resisting attempts by the gunmen to seize his motorcycle.
“The attackers also made away with a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted Vice Principal before setting the vehicle ablaze along a forest route,” the police spokesperson stated.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately visited the scene alongside other security commanders for an on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination.
Operational assets, tactical teams and intelligence units have since been deployed to the affected communities to maintain order, protect residents and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims while efforts continue to apprehend those behind the attack.
