…As Troops Trap Six Suspects
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, May 18, 2026, confirmed that the gunmen that stormed Ahoro-Esinele Community in the State and abducted seven teachers, have reportedly killed one of their captives.
Makinde, who stated this in a statement by his media adviser, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, noted that the forest gave up one body while six suspects were arrested on Monday, but not before claiming a life.
the victim who was a mathematics teacher, was executed on camera and the video sent out.
According to the statement; “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… was killed by the terrorists”.
The statement further said that the rescue operation came at a cost as security forces closing in on the gunmen’s hideout ran into Improvised Explosive Devices planted along the route.
According to Olanrewaju, some soldiers, Amotekun operatives, and local vigilantes died in the blasts while others are in the hospital.
Governor Makinde assured that the state will spare no cost for their treatment, saying that the operation wasn’t a total loss.
The statement stated that six people were picked up in the locality with the Nigeria police saying that some of those picked up are suspected informants and logistics runners for the gang.
Similarly, another security outfit arrested three more persons of interest elsewhere in the state.
While expressing condolences to the families of the slain teacher and the fallen security personnel, Governor Makinde promised a two-pronged push to free the remaining captives — “both kinetic and non-kinetic” — and appealed to the relatives, religious leaders, and the public for patience.
Makinde said; “There may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly”.
Makinde also flagged a bigger worry, stating that bandits fleeing military pressure in the North-West and North-East are drifting south.
The Governor said he is in talks with his Kwara State counterpart to block the spillover, stressing that Oyo State must be prepared also to either repel or neutralise terrorists fleeing the pressure point.
Makinde said daily briefings would now update the public as the manhunt continued.
