The footage, which has been widely shared on social media, is believed to be linked to the attacks on schools in Yawota and Esiele communities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the video had been received and was undergoing forensic examination.

According to him, “Consequently, the footage is presently undergoing comprehensive forensic examination to determine its authenticity and further aid ongoing investigations, rescue operations, as well as the identification and arrest of the perpetrators behind the heinous act.”

The police explained that the analysis of the video forms part of ongoing efforts to track down the attackers and secure the release of the abducted victims.

Naija News reports that the attack occurred on Friday when armed men stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School/L.A. Primary School, Esiele.

Preliminary police findings indicated that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and carried out coordinated assaults on the schools, abducting pupils, students, and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Alamu Folawe.

The assailants were also said to have stolen a Toyota Corolla belonging to the vice principal before setting it ablaze along a road leading into the forest.

The police had earlier confirmed that no pupil or student was reported killed at the time of the initial assessment, although an assistant headmaster identified as Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist lost their lives during the attack.

Ayanlade said the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, was intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted persons.

He stated, “Following the commencement of these investigative procedures, the command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment towards ensuring the safe return and reunification of all abducted persons with their families.”

He added that intelligence-driven operations and tactical deployments were ongoing across the affected communities to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, had earlier visited the affected communities alongside other security heads for an on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has also moved to reassure residents, urging calm amid growing tension.

Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal led a government delegation to Yawota and Esiele on Sunday, where he met families of victims and assured them that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted individuals.

Lawal said security forces had already engaged the suspected kidnappers in the forest and were making progress in ongoing operations.

He added, “We have pacified the residents and given assurances that those abducted will be rescued and brought back.”

He, however, noted that the exact number of abducted persons had yet to be confirmed.

“Until we do proper verification, we cannot put a figure to those abducted. For now, figures circulating in the media cannot be taken as correct,” he said.

The deputy governor confirmed that security agencies, including the police, DSS, NSCDC, military personnel, and local hunters, were still combing the forest in search of the attackers.

Residents were also urged to avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten panic or be exploited by criminal elements.

Ayanlade warned, “Members of the public are equally advised to refrain from sharing unverified information, misleading content, or materials capable of heightening tension and creating unnecessary panic.”

He encouraged anyone with useful information to report to the nearest security agency to assist ongoing rescue and investigative efforts.

The police reiterated their commitment to securing the safe return of all victims and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.