Olugbon Condemns School Attacks In Oriire, Demands Justice, Commends Security Operatives Over Swift Response
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — OLUGBON of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has condemned the recent attacks carried out by gunmen on Yawota and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The monarch also sympathised with families of those reportedly killed and abducted during the attacks.
According to reports, armed hoodlums riding on motorcycles simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, on Wednesday.
The attackers reportedly killed several persons and abducted a number of pupils and members of staff, including the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe.
Reacting to the incident in a statement, Oba Alao expressed shock over the attacks, describing them as barbaric and criminal acts that should never be tolerated in any society.
The traditional ruler noted that the affected communities are known to be peaceful settlements where residents coexist harmoniously and engage freely in socio-economic activities.
Oba Alao expressed deep condolences to families who lost their loved ones and those whose relatives were kidnapped during the attacks.
“I sympathise with all the families bearing the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident, and I pray that God grants them comfort during this difficult time,” the monarch said.
He commended security agencies for their swift response to the incident and urged them to intensify efforts towards apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring they face the full wrath of the law.
The monarch also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid efforts to secure the release of those abducted.
Oba Alao further assured residents that Governor Seyi Makinde and local government authorities remain committed to protecting lives and property across the state through collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies.
He equally urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements and individuals to security operatives to strengthen surveillance and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.