Tension has gripped parts of Oyo State following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on Ajaawa Community, located near Ogbomoso, on the night of Friday, May 29, 2026.
Sources within the community disclosed that at least three bodies had been recovered following the attack, while another resident reportedly sustained severe cutlass injuries and is receiving treatment.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons said the attack threw the community into panic and heightened fears among residents already worried about rising insecurity in the Ogbomoso axis.
The source revealed that the assailants invaded the area late Friday night, leaving casualties in their wake before fleeing the scene.
Another traveller who was forced to abandon his journey and return to Igbeti confirmed the development, stating that reports of the attack made movement along the affected route unsafe for motorists and commuters.
According to eyewitness accounts, several road users turned back after receiving information about the security situation in the area.
The latest incident comes only days after the reported abduction of teachers, schoolchildren and residents in parts of Oyo State, further raising concerns about the deteriorating security situation in some communities across the state.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack, while details surrounding the incident remain sketchy.
Abducted School Principal Appeals For Negotiation
Meanwhile, the Principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has renewed her appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to negotiate with the kidnappers holding her and other captives.
In a new video recorded from captivity and circulated online, Alamu warned that one of the abductees had allegedly been marked for execution following a failed rescue operation by security forces.
The principal pleaded with government authorities to adopt dialogue rather than force in securing their release.
“Please help us by engaging in dialogue with these people. The use of force has only worsened our situation and placed lives in greater danger,” she appealed.
Alamu further described the harsh conditions faced by the captives, noting that both adults and children were enduring severe hardship while in captivity.
Another abducted teacher, Mary Akanbi, who is reportedly nursing a baby, also appealed to Governor Makinde to negotiate with the abductors to secure their freedom.
The victims were among teachers, pupils and residents abducted when armed men invaded schools and communities in Esiele and Yawota areas of Oriire Local Government Area earlier this month.
The continued captivity of the victims and the latest attack in Ajaawa have intensified anxiety among residents and families, with growing calls for urgent and effective security intervention across the affected communities.
