Gunmen stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, May 15, 2026, killing two people and abducting several pupils and staff during morning devotion, in an attack that has left the state’s education sector in mourning.

The assault targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele; and Community Grammar School, Esiele. According to reports, the attackers arrived on motorcycles around 8 a.m. and opened fire indiscriminately, causing pupils and teachers to scatter into nearby bushes in panic.

Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan of L.A. Primary School was shot dead while attempting to escape through a classroom window. A motorcycle rider was also killed after resisting the gunmen. The vice-principal of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu Folawe, and five teachers were among those abducted. The exact number of pupils taken remains unconfirmed, with early estimates suggesting more than 45 children may have been seized.

During the operation, the gunmen made away with a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted vice-principal. The vehicle was later found set ablaze on a road leading into the forest.

The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board described the incident as “a dark and painful moment” for education in the state. Executive Chairman Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran said the board was working closely with security agencies to establish the full details and ensure the safe rescue of all abducted persons. Following the attack, schools in Oriire, Surulere, Oyo East, and Olorunsogo local government areas were temporarily shut down.

Governor Seyi Makinde acknowledged a gap in intelligence sharing and urged residents to report suspicious activities to authorities.

In a new development, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed it is aware of a viral video circulating online showing the abducted school staff. Police spokesperson stated that officers are “working on it” and that the footage forms part of the ongoing investigation. No further details about the video’s content were disclosed to avoid compromising rescue efforts.

So far, three suspects have been detained, and tactical teams remain deployed in forest areas where the victims are believed to be held. Security agencies say coordinated search-and-rescue operations are ongoing under the direct coordination of the Commissioner of Police.

The incident marks one of the rare large-scale school attacks recorded in the southwest region, drawing condemnation from lawmakers, political parties, and education stakeholders who have called for urgent reinforcement of security around schools and rural communities.

Authorities have assured the public that efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and staff will continue until everyone is safely recovered.