Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed that seven teachers were abducted during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, while the exact number of missing pupils is yet to be ascertained.

Makinde disclosed this on Sunday while addressing journalists after a security meeting with service commanders and heads of security agencies in the state over the incident.

The governor also revealed that an Islamic Studies teacher was killed during the attack carried out by suspected gunmen.

According to him, security operatives have arrested six suspects within the affected community, alongside three other persons of interest linked to the attack.

Makinde said preliminary investigations indicated that some of those arrested might have served as informants for the attackers.

“The information available is that about six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them we believe are informants. Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested,” he said.

The governor linked the attack to the ongoing military offensives against terrorists and bandits in the North-West, warning that armed groups displaced from those regions could continue moving southward.

“With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward,” Makinde stated.

“But the problem that we have is when you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points.”

He said the state government was already engaging neighbouring states and security agencies to strengthen coordinated responses to the growing threat.

Makinde stressed that the government would not rely solely on military force to address the situation, noting that consultations were ongoing with community, traditional and religious leaders.

“We have decided that we will adopt not just a kinetic approach. We are engaging leaders, elders and religious leaders, especially at the Baptist Convention,” he said, noting that one of the affected schools belongs to the church.

The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and assured families of the abducted victims that efforts were ongoing to secure their safe return.

“We are not taking this lightly. We will do everything within our means to resolve this quickly and bring our children back safely,” he assured.

Describing the incident as “very difficult and challenging,” Makinde announced that the state government would begin daily press briefings to provide updates on rescue efforts and security operations.