RismadarVoice Reporters, May 16, 2026
Panic swept through communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday after armed terrorists launched coordinated attacks on three schools, killing a school administrator and abducting pupils and teachers in an incident that disrupted academic activities and forced residents to flee for safety.
The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School. Witnesses said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles during school hours and opened fire, creating panic among pupils, teachers and residents.
During the attack, the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was reportedly shot dead while attempting to escape. A commercial motorcyclist was also killed after reportedly riding into the area during the violence. Community sources disclosed that several pupils, the principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs Rachael Alamu, and some teachers were taken away by the attackers.
Traditional ruler of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, confirmed the incident, describing the scene as chaotic and disturbing. He noted that the attackers moved through the communities in groups and expressed concern over delayed security intervention, adding that the absence of a nearby police facility worsened the situation.
Security agencies, including police and military personnel, have launched search operations in nearby forest areas believed to be the escape route of the gunmen. Authorities have also ordered the temporary closure of schools in affected and neighbouring communities as investigations and rescue efforts continue.
