Africa-Press – Nigeria. Gunmen kidnapped at least 39 students and seven teachers in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, resulting in the death of a teacher and injuries to security personnel from explosives during a rescue attempt, according to local authorities.
The attack occurred in the village of Ahoro Isinile in the Orire area, targeting several schools, including a secondary school and two primary schools, officials reported.
The state governor, Seyi Makinde, announced the death of a kidnapped teacher, citing a video. He added that six local suspects had been arrested, including alleged informants and logistics suppliers for the kidnappers.
Makinde noted that a joint rescue operation involving the military, police, and local vigilante groups was thwarted after forces discovered improvised explosive devices planted by the attackers, resulting in injuries to several individuals. He confirmed that the injured are receiving treatment. President Bola Tinubu condemned the killing, describing it as “brutal,” and stated that federal authorities are working with state authorities to rescue all victims. He added in a statement that police have deployed tactical and intelligence teams to the area.
Mass kidnappings by armed groups have become a significant security challenge in Nigeria in recent years, as criminal gangs exploit security weaknesses and the ease of crossing borders to target travelers, students, and rural communities for ransom or material aid. Schools are often targeted, although such attacks are less frequent in the southwestern part of the country.
