Bandits Behead Abducted Oyo Teacher As Makinde Confirms Arrest Of Suspected Informants Linked To School Attackers

Ibadan,  Oyo State– Terrorists suspected to be bandits reportedly beheaded a kidnapped schoolteacher,  as the state government confirmed the arrest of several suspected informants linked to the attackers who stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The victim, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was among teachers abducted during a violent invasion of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area.

The gunmen had invaded the school on Friday, May 15, abducting the school principal alongside other teachers and several students, in an attack that has since deepened fears over worsening insecurity in the state.

Oyedokun’s killing was captured in a disturbing video released by the attackers on Sunday, May 17, 2026, showing the teacher being beheaded by the armed men.

The widely circulated video, described by residents as inhumane and barbaric, has heightened anxiety over the fate of the remaining victims still in captivity.

The attack came just weeks after a failed kidnap attempt along the Ibadan-Ijebu road, which left one traveller dead, further underlining the growing security challenges confronting parts of Oyo State and the wider South-West region.

Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that security operatives have arrested suspected collaborators believed to have aided the attackers.

Makinde made the disclosure on Sunday while briefing journalists after a high-level security meeting with service commanders and heads of security agencies in the state.

According to the governor, six suspects were arrested within the affected community, while three additional persons of interest were also taken into custody in connection with the attack.

“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,” Makinde said.

He added that preliminary intelligence indicated that some of those arrested may have provided logistical support and insider information to the gunmen.

Makinde also revealed that authorities were yet to determine the exact number of pupils still missing, noting that security agencies were working closely with affected communities and school authorities to establish accurate figures.

The governor linked the incident to the southward movement of armed groups fleeing sustained military pressure in Nigeria’s North-West region.

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

He warned that states in the South-West must urgently strengthen their security architecture to prevent infiltration by fleeing criminal elements.

“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,” Makinde added.

Makinde further stated that the state government would not rely solely on military force in addressing the crisis, stressing the need for community engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders.

“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.

Describing the situation as “very difficult and challenging,” the governor announced plans to commence daily press briefings to keep residents informed about ongoing rescue operations and security developments.

He also appealed for calm among residents and reassured families of the abducted victims that efforts were underway 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,” Makinde assured.

The gruesome killing of Oyedokun and the continued captivity of other victims have once again spotlighted Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, with many residents calling for urgent and decisive action to protect lives and restore public confidence.