Gov. Seyi Makinde has confirmed the killing of one of the teachers abducted during the kidnapping incident in Ahoro-Esinle Community, Oyo State, while also announcing the arrest of six suspects linked to the crime.

Makinde disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju.

The governor expressed condolences to the family of the slain teacher and assured residents that the state government would deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the release of the remaining victims held by the abductors.

He also sympathised with the families of members of the military tactical team, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes who lost their lives during the rescue operation.

According to Makinde, the operatives were killed after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the abductors.

He added that injured security personnel involved in the operation were responding positively to treatment, assuring that the government would spare no expense in providing adequate medical care and support.

The governor appealed to the families of the abducted victims, religious organisations, and other concerned stakeholders to remain patient, promising that every effort was being made to reunite the victims with their families.

“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly.

“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he said.

Makinde noted that security agencies had already recorded some progress in the ongoing operation, with several arrests made in connection with the abduction.

“Well, from the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality.

“Some of them, we believe, are perhaps informants or people running logistics for the terrorists.

“Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state,” he added.

The governor further acknowledged the growing security concerns posed by the movement of armed groups from northern parts of the country into southern states, stressing the need for stronger inter-state collaboration.

“We must appreciate the fact that with the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West and the North-East, they will keep moving southwards.

“So, we are talking.

“The Governor of Kwara has spoken to me, but the problem that we have is when you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to also either repel or neutralise terrorists fleeing the pressure point,” Makinde stated.

He assured residents that the government would continue to provide daily briefings to keep citizens informed about developments in the rescue operation.