Gunmen have abducted several pupils, students and school staff during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, prompting the police to launch a large-scale rescue operation.

The attack, which happened in the early hours of Friday, targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and Community Grammar School alongside L.A Primary School in Esiele, according to the Oyo State Police Command.

Police said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and carried out simultaneous assaults on the schools and nearby communities.

Among those abducted was the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe.

Authorities said there was no confirmed report of any pupil or student being killed as of the time the statement was issued.

However, an Assistant Headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan was shot dead during the attack. An okada rider was also reportedly killed after resisting attempts by the gunmen to seize his motorcycle.

Police launch rescue operation

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, visited the affected communities shortly after the incident alongside other security commanders.

According to the police, tactical teams, intelligence units and operational assets have been deployed across the area to track down the attackers and rescue the victims.

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said:

“Operational assets, tactical teams and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act.”

Police also revealed that the attackers stole a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted Vice Principal before setting it ablaze on a road leading into the forest.

Why the attack matters

The latest school attack has renewed concerns over the safety of students and teachers in parts of Nigeria, especially in rural communities where security infrastructure is limited.

Over the past few years, armed groups have increasingly targeted schools for kidnappings, often seeking ransom payments from families or authorities.

Security analysts say attacks on schools continue to disrupt education, create fear among parents and contribute to rising school dropout rates in vulnerable communities.

Residents in Oriire and nearby areas are now calling for increased security presence around schools and major roads.

Community fears grow

Parents and residents in the affected communities are said to be in shock following the attack.

Local education advocates warn that repeated incidents of school violence could discourage attendance, particularly among younger children in rural areas.

What the police are asking residents to do

The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could assist rescue efforts.

Emergency contact numbers released by the command include:

Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615

Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614

07055495413

What happens next

Security operations are expected to continue across Oriire Local Government Area and surrounding forests as authorities intensify efforts to locate the abducted victims.

There is currently no official confirmation on the number of people kidnapped.

Residents are also awaiting further updates from the Oyo State Government and security agencies regarding rescue operations and additional security measures for schools.

The Delta State Police Command says no shooting occurred during a tragic patrol incident in Ogwashi-Uku that led to the deaths of a personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service and a civilian identified as Adama Augustine.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, said the incident happened on 14 May 2026 along the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku Road near Mega Chis during a joint patrol involving police officers and personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service.

According to the Command, patrol operatives spotted two men who fled on seeing the team, triggering a chase by forest security personnel attached to the patrol unit.

Police said Adama Augustine reportedly jumped into an uncompleted building while attempting to escape.

“One of the Forest officers continued chasing him but sadly, in the process, both Agama Augustine and the Forest officer fell into an abandoned open site well inside an uncompleted building site and drowned,” the statement said.

The victims were reportedly rescued and rushed to Ogwashi General Hospital, where doctors confirmed them dead.

Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital morgue pending autopsy.

Police Move to Counter Rumours

The Delta Police Command said it released the statement to “set the records straight” following reports and speculation surrounding the incident.

“We want to make it very clear: No shooting took place. Nobody was killed by the police,” SP Edafe Bright stated.

The Command added that an investigation had already commenced and appealed to residents to remain calm while authorities establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The police also urged members of the public to disregard rumours and continue cooperating with security agencies.

Why the Incident Matters

The incident has renewed conversations around operational safety during security patrols and the condition of abandoned buildings across parts of Delta State.

Community members in Ogwashi-Uku have repeatedly raised concerns over unsecured construction sites and open wells, which residents say pose dangers to both civilians and security personnel.

Security analysts say the tragedy also highlights the risks associated with joint operations involving multiple security agencies, especially in high-pressure pursuit situations.

Justice Sector Collaboration in Focus

Earlier on the same day, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, received the Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Hon. Justice G.B. Briki-Okolosi, during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Asaba.

According to police authorities, discussions during the visit focused on strengthening collaboration between the police and justice sector stakeholders to improve criminal justice administration, speed up the dispensation of justice, and deepen adherence to the rule of law in Delta State.

The engagement comes amid broader national conversations around police accountability, justice reforms, and inter-agency cooperation within Nigeria’s security architecture.

What Happens Next?

Police authorities say investigations into the Ogwashi-Uku incident are ongoing.

The Command has not yet announced whether any officers or patrol personnel will face questioning or administrative review as part of the probe.

Residents and civil society groups are expected to monitor the investigation closely as calls grow for improved operational safety procedures during patrol activities.

The Nigeria Police Force says its Safe Schools Initiative is emerging as a model for school protection across Africa after an African Union delegation visited Nigeria to study the programme.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu received Ambassador Jainaba Jagne and an international delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on 13 May as part of efforts to strengthen the safety of schools and children affected by insecurity.

The delegation included representatives from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Ethiopia, the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, and Save the Children International.

According to the police, the visit focused on Nigeria’s Schools Protection Squad Command and Control Centre under the Safe Schools Declaration framework.

Why It Matters

The development comes as many African countries continue to battle armed conflict, banditry, terrorism, and attacks on schools.

Nigeria itself has experienced repeated school abductions in recent years, particularly in northern states, prompting authorities to increase security measures around educational institutions.

Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne praised the Nigeria Police Force for its approach to school security.

“Several African countries are looking to understudy and adapt the Nigerian Safe Schools model,” she said.

She added that African Union member states had shown “strong interest” in Nigeria’s initiative as part of wider continental efforts to protect children and educational institutions affected by insecurity.

Police Promise Intelligence-Led School Protection

In his remarks, IGP Disu said the police would continue working with education authorities, development partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety nationwide.

He said the Force would deploy intelligence-led policing, patrol operations, rapid response systems, and technology-driven solutions to protect schools.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration,” the IGP said.

Security analysts say Nigeria’s model could become influential if it delivers measurable reductions in attacks on schools and improves emergency response capabilities.

Education advocates have also argued that stronger school protection systems are essential to improving school attendance and reducing fear among parents in conflict-prone communities.

Nigeria Police Dismiss Officers Accused of Kidnapping and Extortion

The announcement on school safety came as the Nigeria Police Force disclosed fresh disciplinary actions against officers accused of criminal activities in Rivers State.

The Force said several police personnel had been dismissed, arrested, or prosecuted over allegations including kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, stealing, and abuse of office.

According to the police, the actions are part of ongoing internal reforms aimed at improving accountability and public trust.

Officers Accused of Running Illegal Patrol Operations

Investigators said one syndicate involved serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa.

The officers — Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus — allegedly conducted illegal patrols in Port Harcourt, abducted victims during stop-and-search operations, and forced them to transfer money from bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

Police said three additional officers — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — are currently being sought.

Authorities said they recovered three Toyota Sienna vehicles allegedly used in the operations and traced ₦7.3 million to the suspected criminal activities.

Five Officers Dismissed

In a separate case, officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations in Rivers State were accused of kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.

The implicated officers — Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu — were dismissed after internal disciplinary proceedings, according to police authorities.

The Force said the officers would face prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.

Public Trust and Police Reform

The cases are likely to renew public debate about misconduct within Nigeria’s police system, particularly allegations of extortion and abuse during stop-and-search operations.

Civil society groups have repeatedly called for stronger oversight mechanisms, improved welfare for officers, and faster prosecution of personnel accused of corruption or human rights abuses.

The Nigeria Police Force urged citizens to continue reporting misconduct through official complaint channels.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to a professional, transparent, accountable, and service-driven policing system,” the statement said.

Industry and Public Reactions

Security experts say the simultaneous promotion of school safety initiatives and prosecution of corrupt officers reflects an attempt by the police leadership to balance reform with public accountability.

Analysts note that public confidence in policing institutions will depend not only on policy announcements but also on visible enforcement actions against erring officers.

Parents’ groups and education advocates have also welcomed stronger school security efforts but say long-term success will depend on sustained funding, technology deployment, and collaboration with local communities.

What’s Next?

The African Union and partner organisations are expected to continue studying Nigeria’s Safe Schools framework for possible adaptation across member states.

Meanwhile, the prosecution of dismissed officers in Rivers State will likely be closely watched as a test of the Nigeria Police Force’s anti-corruption and accountability reforms.