Fresh efforts are underway to secure the release of abducted pupils, teachers and school administrators kidnapped during a deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as the husband of one of the victims, Professor Wole Alamu, has appealed for caution over public discussions surrounding the rescue operations.
Professor Alamu, whose wife, Mrs Folawe Alamu, principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, remains in captivity, disclosed this during a telephone interview with Eagle 102.5 FM on Wednesday.
According to him, security operatives are working intensively behind the scenes to ensure the safe return of the abductees, stressing that revealing sensitive details at this stage could compromise ongoing operations.
“We are going to grant interview, but not now. The work is seriously being done underneath. Anything you say now may jeopardise the rescue operations,” he stated.
Professor Alamu also commended Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies for what he described as coordinated and relentless efforts aimed at rescuing the victims.
The abduction incident, which has sparked national outrage, followed coordinated attacks by armed hoodlums on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and L.A Primary School within the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area.
During the attack, several pupils, teachers and school administrators were reportedly abducted, while a teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was killed.
The Oyo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the killing of an assistant headmaster, Mr Adesiyan, alongside an okada rider during the assault.
A viral video which surfaced online last Friday showed the abducted principal, Mrs Folawe Alamu, emotionally appealing to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, security agencies, the Christian Association of Nigeria and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and facilitate their release.
Meanwhile, security operations have intensified across affected communities and forest corridors suspected to be harbouring the kidnappers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, is said to have arrived in Oyo State to personally supervise a technology-driven rescue operation involving the deployment of the Police Intelligence Response Team.
Governor Makinde also disclosed that two newly acquired surveillance aircraft were being prepared to provide aerial intelligence over forest areas linked to the abductors.
Security agencies further revealed that several suspects had been arrested for allegedly serving as informants to the kidnappers by helping them navigate routes within the Old Oyo National Park.
The Oyo State Government maintained that although it remains open to dialogue that could aid the release of the victims, it would not make ransom payments.
Reacting to the development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the killing of the abducted teacher, describing the act as barbaric.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President assured Nigerians that security agencies were working round the clock to rescue the victims and apprehend those behind the attack.
“The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon. The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read.
President Tinubu also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, urging the National Assembly to accelerate legislative processes towards its creation as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity across underserved communities in the country.
