Emotions ran high in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Friday as family members, colleagues, sympathisers and church members gathered for the burial rites of Adesiyan Adegboye, the teacher killed during last week’s coordinated attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The late Adegboye, aged 49, was among the victims of the deadly invasion carried out by armed bandits who stormed three schools in the Yawota and Esiele communities, abducting teachers and students in the process.
The burial programme commenced at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, where mourners paid glowing tributes to the deceased teacher, described by colleagues as dedicated, humble and committed to the education of children in rural communities.
Adegboye was reportedly shot dead during the attack, which occurred around 9:30 am last Friday when gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.
Following the church service, his remains were scheduled for interment later on Friday at his residence in the Owolake area of Ogbomoso.
The tragic incident has continued to generate fear and outrage across Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, especially among parents worried about the worsening security situation in schools.
Several schools reportedly witnessed low attendance after the incident, while some parents rushed to withdraw their children over fears of possible fresh attacks.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed that 32 persons, including pupils, students and teachers, were abducted during the coordinated invasion of the schools.
According to the governor, seven students were kidnapped from Community Secondary School, while 18 pupils and seven teachers were abducted from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School.
He also confirmed that one person was killed during the attack, later identified as Adegboye.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, visited the affected communities shortly after the incident and ordered the deployment of additional detectives from the Force Headquarters in Abuja to support rescue operations.
Police authorities said the reinforcement was aimed at assisting the joint security team already working to secure the release of the abducted victims and track down the perpetrators.
The attack has also reignited concerns over growing insecurity around forest areas in Oyo State, particularly communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park, where residents have repeatedly raised fears about suspicious movements and possible criminal hideouts.
Security agencies have continued search-and-rescue operations, while residents are calling on the federal and state governments to strengthen security around schools and vulnerable rural communities.
