Oyo: We Heard Movement Of Bike And Gunshots, And Our Students Were Shouting “Bandit, Bandit”-Victim

Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus, a teacher who was among the victims of the abduction at a secondary school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has recounted the terrifying moment armed men invaded the school, saying the attack began with the sound of motorcycles before gunshots rang out, sending students into panic.

Speaking during an interview on Nigeria Info FM on Friday, 17 July, 2026, Zacchaeus described how the atmosphere changed within seconds as staff and students realized they were under attack. He said those inside the school initially had no idea what was happening until they heard motorcycles approaching, followed almost immediately by gunfire.

According to him, “We just heard the movement of a bike and immediately we heard gunshots. They were shooting sporadically and our students were shouting ‘bandits’.

The teacher’s account paints a picture of the confusion and fear that gripped the school as the attackers fired indiscriminately. He explained that the students’ cries of “bandits” confirmed that the school had come under attack, leaving everyone scrambling for safety amid the chaos.

Zacchaeus’ testimony adds to eyewitness accounts of the Oriire school abduction, highlighting the traumatic experience endured by teachers and students during the incident. The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of schools and the vulnerability of educational institutions to criminal attacks…See_More