President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during the recent attack on Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable.
The incident occurred last Friday when armed bandits invaded the community, targeting multiple schools, including Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. During the attack, staff, students, and pupils were abducted, sparking widespread concern across the state and beyond.
Security operatives have since launched coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators. Authorities say tactical teams, including the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), have been deployed to intensify the search and dismantle the criminal network behind the abduction.
President Tinubu expressed sympathy with the government and people of Oyo State, as well as Governor Seyi Makinde, while commending the state’s swift response to the crisis. He assured that the Federal Government is working closely with state authorities to secure the release of all abducted victims.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu further disclosed that he has directed the Inspector-General of Police to personally oversee a tech-driven operation aimed at rescuing the victims and bringing the attackers and their collaborators to justice.
“The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims. I commend the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their quick intervention and the deployment of a tactical and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) team to rescue the victims,” he added.
He also used the opportunity to reiterate his support for the establishment of state police, urging the National Assembly to expedite legislative action on the matter, especially in light of rising insecurity in underserved communities.
“The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Tinubu vowed.
Security operations are ongoing as authorities race against time to secure the safe return of the abducted students, pupils, and staff.
