President Bola Tinubu has condemned the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State, assuring residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue all victims kidnapped by gunmen in the Esiele community of Oriire Local Government Area.
The President, in a statement issued on Monday, also denounced the killing of one of the abducted teachers, describing the act as “cruel and unacceptable.”
The attack occurred last Friday when heavily armed men invaded the Esiele community and abducted staff members, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
Reacting to the incident, Tinubu said security operatives have sustained operations in the affected area and remain committed to ensuring the safe return of all victims.
“Security agencies are working tirelessly to secure the release of those abducted and to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime, including anyone found collaborating with them within the community,” the President stated.
Tinubu expressed sympathy to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, the state government and families affected by the attack, assuring them of the Federal Government’s support until the victims are rescued.
“The Federal Government will continue to work closely with the Oyo State Government to ensure that all those abducted are rescued safely,” he said.
The President also commended the Inspector-General of Police and police authorities in both Oyo and Kwara states for their swift response following the incident.
According to him, tactical police officers and members of the Intelligence Response Team were immediately deployed to coordinate rescue operations.
Tinubu disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police is personally supervising the operation on the directive of the presidency.
“I am confident that the security agencies will make significant progress soon and bring the kidnappers and their collaborators to justice,” he added.
The President further noted that the increasing wave of kidnappings in parts of the country has renewed calls for the establishment of state police, particularly in areas with inadequate security coverage.
He urged the National Assembly to expedite legislative processes that would allow states to establish their own policing structures.
“The growing cases of kidnapping across the country once again highlight the urgent need for state police to strengthen security at the grassroots level,” Tinubu said.
