- Fresh panic has reportedly spread across parts of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as residents, students, and traders fled schools and business areas over fears of another possible terrorist attack following the recent mass abduction in the area.
- The tension comes days after gunmen kidnapped teachers and dozens of pupils in Oriire LGA, leaving communities gripped by fear and uncertainty.
Fresh panic has reportedly gripped parts of Ogbomoso in Oyo State as residents, students, traders, and parents were seen fleeing schools and business areas over fears of another possible terrorist attack in the region.
The growing tension follows the deadly May 15 attack in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso, where armed bandits riding motorcycles reportedly invaded three schools and abducted several teachers and dozens of pupils.
According to reports, the attackers kidnapped seven teachers, including Principal Rachael Alamu Folawe, alongside at least 39 pupils, many of them toddlers, before escaping through forest routes near the Old Oyo National Park.
The incident later turned tragic after teacher Michael Oyedokun was reportedly killed in captivity, while two others allegedly died during the attack. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed the deaths and disclosed that rescue teams pursuing the kidnappers were injured by improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Authorities also confirmed that six suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack, while schools in affected communities were shut down amid rising fear.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the killing and reportedly ordered the deployment of tactical police teams to the area while renewing calls for the creation of state police to tackle insecurity.
Amid the renewed fear, several videos and eyewitness accounts surfaced online showing people allegedly running out of schools and commercial areas in Ogbomoso over rumours of another possible attack.
Reacting online, X user @GREAT NATION wrote:
“I was here this morning. I was among people that rushed down to school to go and pick my cousin from school.”
Another user, @Uncle Big Dream, said:
“Here is another area in Ogbomoso. People are living in tension already. May God have mercy on us.”
Some users, however, questioned whether the panic may have been triggered by rumours or false alarms.
@AffluentBeing💰 commented:
“Why do I feel like some of those students instigate the running so they could go home?”
Similarly, @Comrade Omoyoma Emmanuel wrote:
“Normally, when school closes for the day, this is how they run over there. I don’t think it’s fear of terrorist attacks.”
Others expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity situation in the country.
Reacting emotionally, @Joy Ikpefua said:
“This cannot become a norm. We can’t keep letting these evil people go on rampage without any fear whatsoever.”
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