Nollywood actor Femi Adebayo has expressed displeasure at the “painful realities coming out of parts of Oyo State,” which have “left many of us heartbroken.”

The Guardian reported that some bandits, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School/LA Primary School, Esiele, Oyo State, abducting some pupils, students and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe.

Since the incident, schools, especially those in border communities, have refused to resume after sending students home on Tuesday amid rumours of another attack by bandits.

Reacting, Femi Adeboye shared on X, saying, “To hear of schools no longer feeling safe, to see families thrown into fear and uncertainty, and to witness communities mourning brave lives lost in the line of duty… it is a pain that touches us all.

“I stand with every parent, every grieving home, and every anxious community praying for the safe return of their loved ones.

“As we continue to support one another and remain vigilant, I join millions of Nigerians in calling on the relevant authorities and security agencies to intensify every effort until everyone still missing is safely brought home.

“May God comfort every hurting heart, strengthen every family, and protect our land. Darkness will not overcome us.”

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has said that no pupil or student has been confirmed killed by the bandits.

“Sadly, one Assistant Headmaster, identified as Mr. Adesiyan, was killed during the attack. In a related development, an okada rider who reportedly resisted attempts by the attackers to forcefully take his motorcycle was also shot dead,” the command said.

The command further stated that Community Grammar School, Esiele, operates within the same premises as LA Primary School, Esiele. It said the attackers, after abducting some victims, also took away a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal and later set the vehicle ablaze along the road leading to the forest.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, immediately led operatives alongside other service commanders to the scene for on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination, while simultaneously directing a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators.