The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of six suspects in connection with the deadly attack on schools in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, where pupils were abducted and two teachers alongside an okada rider were killed.
The development comes days after the violent assault on the community, which has continued to spark fear and outrage across Oyo State and neighbouring areas.
Suspects Allegedly Acted As Informants
According to the police, the arrested suspects are believed to have played supporting roles as informants to the abductors before, during and after the attack.
Investigators said early findings showed that some of the suspects were in direct communication with the attackers during the operation.
The police explained that telephone records and conversations allegedly exchanged between the suspects and the abductors helped advance the investigation.
Phone Records Led To Breakthrough
State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the breakthrough came after security operatives traced communications linked to the attack.
He said the intercepted calls contained information that allegedly helped the attackers navigate through routes within the National Park and locate safe hideouts.
“Our findings showed that some of the suspects were in contact with the abductors through telephone conversations,” Ayanlade said.
He added that the communications are currently being analysed to determine the level of involvement of each suspect and identify others still at large.
Joint Security Operation Ongoing
The police disclosed that the arrests were carried out through coordinated operations involving the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, NSCDC, and Agro Rangers.
According to the command, the joint operation is part of wider efforts to dismantle the criminal network behind the attack and rescue remaining victims.
Authorities assured that efforts were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the syndicate.
“We are committed to ensuring that every individual connected to this criminal act is identified, arrested and brought to justice,” the police spokesman added.
Tension Remains In Oriire Communities
The attack on Ahoro-Esiele has left residents in fear, especially after reports of killings and abductions involving schoolchildren and teachers.
Security agencies say investigations are still ongoing as pressure mounts for the safe rescue of all victims and full exposure of those behind the incident.