Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that one of the teachers abducted in Ahoro-Esinele community, Oyo State, has been killed, while six suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media on Monday, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, the governor said security agencies were still working to rescue other victims from the kidnappers.
Makinde said seven teachers were initially abducted, adding that the situation had taken a tragic turn after the death of a mathematics teacher.
“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he said.
The governor expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.
He also confirmed arrests linked to the case.
“Well, from the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality,” Makinde said.
“Some of them, we believe, are perhaps informants or people running logistics for the terrorists. Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state.”
Makinde added that security operations had come at a high cost, including the loss of members of a joint team made up of soldiers, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes.
According to him, the operatives died after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the abductors during a rescue mission.
He said injured personnel were responding positively to treatment, adding that the government would ensure they receive full care.
“We are taking care of them, and they are responding to treatment,” he said.
The governor appealed for calm and patience from families of the victims and other stakeholders, stressing that the rescue operation may take time.
“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly,” he said.
He also warned that rising pressure on terrorist groups in northern Nigeria could lead to displacement into southern states, including Oyo.
“The Governor of Kwara has spoken to me, 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 terrorists fleeing the pressure point,” he said.
Makinde assured residents that government would provide daily updates as security operations continue and pledged that all efforts were being made to secure the safe return of the abducted teachers.