- He stated that the state government would continue to deploy both security operations
- Olanrewaju also disclosed that several arrests had been made in connection with the abduction
- Olanrewaju said seven teachers were initially kidnapped during the attack
One of the teachers abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Michael Oyedokun, has been confirmed dead.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the development followed the emergence of a video reportedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday and later circulated online, raising fresh fears over the fate of other victims still in captivity.
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The incident has thrown the community into grief, with residents, families and indigenes renewing calls for intensified rescue efforts to secure the release of those still being held.
Confirming the development on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, said the governor had sympathised with the family of the deceased teacher and assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.
He stated that the state government would continue to deploy both security operations and alternative approaches to secure their release.
Olanrewaju also disclosed that several arrests had been made in connection with the abduction.
According to him, security operatives, including soldiers, members of the Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes involved in the rescue operation, also recorded casualties during the mission.
He explained that some personnel lost their lives after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors.
He added that injured operatives were responding well to treatment and assured that the state government would provide necessary support for their care.
The government appealed to relatives of the victims, religious organisations and other stakeholders to remain patient, assuring them that efforts were being intensified to reunite those abducted with their families.
Olanrewaju said seven teachers were initially kidnapped during the attack, noting that the deceased was believed to be a mathematics teacher.
He further disclosed that six suspects had been arrested within the affected community, with some suspected of providing information or logistical support to the kidnappers.
He added that another security outfit had also detained three persons of interest in relation to the incident.
The abduction occurred after gunmen invaded the school on Friday, May 15, taking away the principal, other teachers and several students.
The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, coming weeks after an earlier attempted abduction along the Ibadan-Ijebu road reportedly left one person dead.
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