Insiders allegedly aided Oyo abduction suspects both during and following the crime, according to authorities

New evidence has surfaced regarding the kidnapping of students and the murder of two teachers, as well as an okada rider, in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, revealing that suspected informants allegedly communicated with the kidnappers via phone calls.

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According to the Oyo State Police Command, investigators were able to track down the suspects by tracing calls made to and from the bandits during and after the incident, which led to the discovery of hidden locations within the National Park used by the criminals as safe havens.

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The police have made a significant breakthrough in the case, arresting at least six suspects who are currently in custody and cooperating with the investigation into the horrific incident.

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On Tuesday morning, State Police Public Relations Officer CSP Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed the development, stating that the suspects were apprehended during coordinated security operations across various locations in the state, and are now assisting the authorities with the ongoing investigation.

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Ayanlade revealed that preliminary investigations have shown that the suspects allegedly acted as informants for the bandits responsible for the kidnapping and killings, and that some of the suspects were in contact with the kidnappers through phone conversations.

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He explained that investigators are analyzing these communications to uncover the full extent of the network behind the crime, which included discussions about routes through the National Park and suspected hideouts used by the criminals.

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Ayanlade stated that the conversations contained information on how the kidnappers could move undetected through the National Park and reach safe locations, further aiding the investigation.

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The police spokesman attributed the arrests to joint operations involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Agro-Rangers.

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Ayanlade noted that the arrests were made possible through intelligence-driven operations carried out by joint security operatives working together to dismantle the criminal network, and assured residents that efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate linked to the attack.

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The police spokesman reiterated the commitment of security agencies to ensuring that every individual connected to the criminal act is identified, arrested, and brought to justice, with investigations still ongoing.

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The incident, which occurred last Friday and resulted in the deaths of two teachers and an okada rider, as well as the abduction of school pupils, continues to generate concern among residents of the affected communities and neighbouring areas in Oyo State.