Gunmen have abducted the principal of a secondary school and an unspecified number of students after attacking Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The incident occurred between 8:00 am and 9:00 am on Friday at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, according to the Oyo State Police Command.

Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed in a statement that the attackers stormed the school premises and abducted the principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, alongside several students whose exact number has yet to be confirmed.

“Gunmen have invaded Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting the principal of a secondary school and an unspecified number of students,” the statement read.

According to the police, a teacher was also shot during the attack, although the extent of the injury remains unclear.

“The source also said a teacher was shot during the attack, though the extent of the injury has not been confirmed,” Olayinka stated.

He explained that the gunmen fled the area with the principal in her vehicle and escaped into a nearby forest reserve bordering the community.

“According to the report, the gunmen fled the scene with the principal in her vehicle and escaped into a forest reserve bordering the community,” he added.

Residents reportedly said the distance to the nearest police station delayed immediate security response to the incident.

The police command stated that the Commissioner of Police had deployed officers to the area to assess the situation and commence rescue operations.