Following recent attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports claiming the presence of a permanent terrorist base in the South West.
In a statement, Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, condemned the attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, describing them as “callous and reprehensible”.
He extended condolences to the victims’ families and assured Nigerians that troops are working to secure the release of abducted victims.
According to the military, the incidents were isolated criminal acts and not evidence of entrenched terrorist activity in the South West. It added that previous clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park had neutralized criminal elements, while current intelligence shows no permanent terrorist presence in the region.
The Armed Forces also confirmed that troops, alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes, are continuing operations to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.
