Suspected kidnappers involved in the attack on LA School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinle, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, are reportedly trapped within a section of the Old Oyo National Park as security operatives intensify rescue efforts for abducted victims.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan, noting that security agencies have sealed off all possible escape routes to prevent the suspects from fleeing into neighbouring states, including Kwara State.
According to him, the attackers have been contained within the national park following a coordinated operation launched shortly after Friday’s assault.
“The kidnappers have been effectively confined within the National Park axis following coordinated security operations aimed at preventing their movement into neighbouring states,” he said.
He added that the operation was activated immediately after the attack, which reportedly left a teacher dead and led to the abduction of pupils and staff members, including principals and teachers.
“Security operatives have successfully surrounded the area, restricting the suspects’ movement and preventing
possible escape into Kwara State or other neighbouring locations,” Oyelade said.
Security personnel drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Agro Rangers unit, and the Amotekun Corps have been deployed for the rescue mission.
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The Commissioner of Police has also activated the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and is coordinating with his counterpart in Kwara State to block all possible escape routes across state boundaries.
He further said intelligence reports indicate that the suspects are still within the national park, with joint security teams and local hunters from the Oke-Ogun axis intensifying patrols in the area.
However, he noted that security forces have not yet established direct contact with the abductors, while efforts continue to determine the exact number of victims still in captivity.
He explained that difficulties in accessing accurate school records have slowed verification of the number of missing pupils and staff.
“This has made the rescue operation more difficult. What we are trying to do now is locate their position and apply pressure,” he said.
The commissioner assured residents that security operatives are maintaining pressure on the suspects and expressed confidence that the victims will be rescued.
He also highlighted the state government’s investment in security infrastructure, noting that the Amotekun Corps currently operates 181 vehicles, 450 motorcycles, and over 2,500 personnel across the state.
Oyelade reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rescuing the abducted victims and restoring normalcy to affected communities.