‘Safety is Priority’ – OYOSUBEB Shuts Schools in 4 LGAs Following Ahoro-Esinele Attack

In a swift response to the Friday morning terror attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele community, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) has ordered the immediate closure of all primary schools in four neighboring Local Government Areas.

The Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, announced the emergency vacation order for schools in Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire, and Olorunsogo LGAs. The directive is aimed at preventing secondary incidents while security forces comb the forest reserves where gunmen reportedly fled with kidnapped victims.

The board’s decision follows a bloody invasion at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, where gunmen killed a teacher and abducted an unspecified number of pupils. Early reports from the scene indicate that the school principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, was also whisked away in her own vehicle during the brazen morning raid.

“This is a dark and painful moment for our education family,” Dr. Adeniran said in a statement made available to the press. “The Board has directed all primary schools in neighboring communities to immediately vacate their premises until further notice. This temporary measure is to allow security agencies to thoroughly stabilize the area and ensure the safety of our children, which remains our utmost priority.”

Dr. Adeniran, in collaboration with the State Commissioner for Education, reassured the public that a tactical response team under the Commissioner of Police has been deployed. He emphasized that the government “will not rest” until every child is safely returned.

While the accurate number of kidnapped pupils remains unverified, the board has entered “constant communication” with security agencies to manage the crisis. The OYOSUBEB boss also paid tribute to the slain teacher, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification, describing his death as a tragic sacrifice in the line of duty.

Parents and community leaders in the affected LGAs have been urged to remain calm but vigilant as the rescue operation continues.