By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The Police have given more information about coordinated attack and abduction by some yet- to- be identified gunmen on some schools and surrounding communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in the early hours of today, Friday.
The new details of the attack released was contained in a statement by Ayanlade Olayinka, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command.
The statement was released following the visit of the state commissioner of police CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga alongside other service commanders to the scene of the incident for on-the-spot assessment on Friday afternoon.
Olayinka said in a statement that preliminary investigation revealed that the assailants, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota as well as Community Grammar School/L.A Primary School, Esiele where they abducted some pupils, students and staff members including the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe.
He however said in the statement that no pupil or student has been confirmed killed during the incident.
Olayinka however said the Assistant Headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan and an okada rider who reportedly resisted attempts by the attackers to forcefully take his motorcycle were shot dead during the attack He added that the assailants also took the car of the abducted Vice Principal and later set it ablaze as they were escaping.
“The Command further gathered that Community Grammar School, Esiele operates within the same premises with L.A Primary School, Esiele. The attackers, after abducting some victims, also took away a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal and later set the vehicle ablaze along the road leading to the forest.
Olayinka also assured that police operatives have been deployed for an intensive manhunt and rescue operation of the assailants following CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga visit to the community.
According to the Police Commissioner has directed a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators.
“Operational assets, tactical teams and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act.
“The Command assures residents that intensive operations are ongoing and urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and supportive by providing timely and credible information that could aid the investigation and rescue efforts,” the Oyo Police spokesperson said.
