The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of eight suspects in connection with the recent kidnapping incidents in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, as efforts intensify to rescue the remaining abducted students and teachers.
The development came amid growing tension in the affected communities following the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from schools in the local government area.
Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that security operatives were carrying out round-the-clock operations to secure the release of the victims still in captivity. According to him, authorities were deliberately withholding sensitive details about the rescue mission to avoid compromising ongoing tactical operations.
“Operations are ongoing 24 hours daily, but disclosing too much information at this stage may affect the rescue mission,” he said.
Ayanlade also revealed that security agencies had commenced forensic investigations into a viral video allegedly released by the kidnappers, noting that efforts were underway to determine the source of the footage and how it circulated online. “The source of the video made by the kidnappers and how it got to the internet is currently undergoing forensic analysis,” he added.
The police command further assured residents of adequate security during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, stating that operatives had been strategically deployed across the state to maintain law and order. “We have deployed operatives for the Sallah festivities, and all areas are being closely monitored,” the police spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed public school teachers in Oriire Local Government Area to embark on an indefinite strike over the abduction incidents. The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the State Secretary of the union, Salami Olukayode, who described the attacks as unfortunate and traumatic for teachers in the area.
He explained that the decision followed instructions from the national leadership of the union, adding that teachers were to withdraw their services beginning from Tuesday, May 26, 2026, until further notice.
“On the firm directive of the National Leadership of the Nigeria Union Teachers, the Oyo State wing of the Union hereby directs teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the State to stay away from the schools commencing from Tuesday, 26 May 2026 till further notice,” the statement read.
The abduction has continued to raise concerns among residents and education stakeholders, with calls mounting on security agencies and the government to ensure the safe return of the victims and strengthen security around schools in the state.