President Bola Tinubu on Monday vowed that all students, pupils and teachers abducted during last Friday’s attack on schools in Oyo State would be rescued, as he ordered an intensified manhunt for the perpetrators following the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers.
The President, who described the killing as barbaric and unacceptable, assured residents that security agencies were working round the clock to secure the victims’ release and bring the abductors and their collaborators to justice.
The attack occurred in the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed bandits invaded schools and abducted staff, students and pupils of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, triggering outrage and anxiety among residents.
Tinubu’s assurance was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Reacting to the incident, the President sympathised with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the state government and families of the abducted victims, while commending steps already taken by the governor to address the situation.
“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community. I sympathise with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter. I sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims,” Tinubu said.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had activated a joint rescue operation with the Oyo State Government, expressing optimism that security agencies would soon secure a breakthrough.
“The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims,” he added.
Tinubu also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states for their swift intervention, particularly the deployment of tactical teams and operatives of the Intelligence Response Team.
According to the President, the Inspector-General of Police is personally leading a technology-driven operation aimed at tracking the abductors and dismantling their network.
“The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon. The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the President stated.
Tinubu further renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that the growing wave of kidnappings across parts of the country had exposed security gaps in underserved communities.
“Cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police to man some of our underserved areas. The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police,” he said.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in Oyo State, with residents calling for urgent action to curb rising abductions targeting schools and rural communities.
