President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that ongoing efforts to rescue abducted pupils, students, and teachers in Oyo State will yield positive results, while condemning the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers.
Gunmen last Friday invaded the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting staff and learners from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
According to the Presidency, security agencies have intensified operations to secure the release of the victims and arrest those responsible for the attack, including alleged collaborators within the community.
Reacting to the incident, President Tinubu expressed sadness over the reported death of one of the abducted teachers, describing the act as barbaric.
“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 also sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims,” the President said.
Tinubu assured the Oyo State Government and residents that the Federal Government is collaborating closely with the state authorities to ensure the safe rescue of all those abducted.
He also commended the Inspector-General of Police and police commissioners in Oyo and Kwara states for their swift response and deployment of tactical and Intelligence Response Team (IRT) operatives to the area.
According to the President, the Inspector-General of Police is personally leading a technology-driven operation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the kidnappers.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The President further stressed that the recurring cases of kidnapping across the country underscore the urgent need for the establishment of state police to improve security in underserved communities.
He called on the National Assembly to expedite legislative action on the creation of state police.
