The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Wednesday urged security agencies to carry out a “careful, clinical, and timely” operation to free students and teachers kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The call for action came as military aircraft were observed flying over several communities in the state. A video that circulated on Wednesday showed Tucano jets positioned at the tarmac of Ibadan airport, indicating increased air support for ongoing rescue efforts on the ground.

The Defence Headquarters said on Tuesday that troops had established contact with the abductors and were working to ensure the victims return safely. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also confirmed that measures were in place to secure the release of those taken.

Armed attackers stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and LEA Primary School, Esiele, all within Oriire LGA, where they abducted a number of pupils, students, and teachers.

Governor Makinde stated that seven students were taken from Community Grammar School, while 18 children and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School. One person died during the attack.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Speaker Abbas asked security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and to bring those responsible to justice. He noted the prompt response of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment and deployed personnel for rescue operations. Abbas, however, emphasized that the mission requires “speed and precision.”

The Speaker condemned the assault, describing it as especially painful at a time when the country is working to reduce its number of out-of-school children. “It is more unfortunate that schools are being attacked when the nation is trying to enrol its large population of out-of-school children,” he said.

Abbas added that schools ought to rank among the safest places in society and called for stronger steps to protect learning institutions and other vulnerable public facilities nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information that could trigger panic, derail security efforts, or cause distress in communities. The caution was issued Wednesday in a statement from the Office of the Special Adviser on Security, signed by Abayomi Fagbenro.