Governor Seyi Makinde says one of the teachers kidnapped in Ahoro-Esinle Community in Oyo State has been killed, while six suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Makinde made the disclosure in a statement issued on Monday through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju.
The governor described the killing as tragic and extended condolences to the family of the deceased teacher.
He assured residents that the state government remained committed to rescuing the remaining victims through coordinated security and intelligence operations.
Makinde also paid tribute to members of the tactical rescue team, including soldiers, Amotekun operatives and local vigilantes, who lost their lives during the operation.
According to him, the security personnel were killed after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the abductors.
The governor said injured operatives were receiving medical treatment and pledged that the state would bear the cost of their care.
Providing an update on the incident, Makinde stated that seven teachers were abducted in total and that a video received by the government confirmed the death of one of the victims, identified as a mathematics teacher.
Despite the setback, he said security agencies had recorded progress, with six suspects arrested within the locality.
Makinde added that three additional individuals of interest had been arrested by another security organisation operating in the state.
He explained that some of those arrested were suspected of supplying logistics or providing information to the kidnappers.
The governor stressed the need for stronger collaboration between states to address the growing movement of terrorists and bandits from the North-West and North-East into southern parts of the country.
“We must be prepared to repel or neutralise terrorists fleeing pressure points,” he said.
Makinde assured the public that the government would continue to issue daily briefings on developments surrounding the rescue mission and ongoing investigations.
