The Chairman of Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Amusa Wakilu, has confirmed that the Toyota Corolla belonging to the principal of Community High School, Esiele, was set ablaze by terrorists after it was used to transport abducted pupils into a nearby forest reserve.
Wakilu disclosed this during a visit to the troubled community, where residents are still reeling from the coordinated attacks that led to the abduction of pupils, teachers, and other residents, as well as the killing of several victims.
According to him, the burnt vehicle was discovered near an entrance leading deep into the forest, which the attackers reportedly used as a route to move kidnapped victims further into the bush.
He explained that the location is so dense and inaccessible that movement beyond it is only possible on foot, underscoring the difficulty of rescue operations in the area.
Wakilu also confirmed that the vehicle belonged to the female principal of the school, who was among those abducted during the attack and is still being held by the attackers.
Eyewitness accounts from residents, including local farmer Micheal Ojo, described how armed men stormed Esiele and nearby communities, killing a teacher, forcing the principal to drive abducted pupils, and using the vehicle to transport victims into the forest.
The attacks have left the community in shock, with several families still searching for missing loved ones while security forces continue rescue efforts in the surrounding forest areas.
Residents say the incident has further deepened fear in the region, as schools and rural settlements remain exposed to repeated armed attacks despite ongoing security operations.