By Our Correspondent

National News – Panic swept through communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday after armed terrorists attacked three schools, killed a teacher, abducted pupils and staff, and forced residents to flee their homes.

The coordinated attacks happened at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School during morning school activities.

Witnesses said the gunmen arrived around 9am on motorcycles and opened fire as students gathered for assembly.

Residents explained that the attackers moved quickly from one school to another, causing chaos across the communities.

Parents, teachers and residents reportedly ran into nearby bushes for safety as the attackers carried out the operation without resistance.

The Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while trying to escape through a window.

An okada rider was also reportedly shot dead after unknowingly riding into the attack scene.

Community sources said the attackers kidnapped the principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs Rachael Alamu, alongside five teachers and several pupils whose exact number remains unclear.

Traditional ruler of the community, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, confirmed that the attackers arrived on eight motorcycles carrying armed men.

He said the attack began during a town meeting and affected both primary and secondary school pupils, including young children.

Residents also disclosed that the terrorists used the principal’s vehicle to transport some abducted victims before abandoning and burning the car after it developed a fault.

Security agencies, including police and military personnel, later launched search operations in nearby forest areas believed to be the attackers’ escape route.

Authorities in Oyo State have temporarily shut schools in affected local government areas to prevent further attacks while rescue efforts continue.