Tinubu Vows Swift Rescue Of Abducted Oyo Students, Condemns ‘Barbaric’ Killing Of Kidnapped Teacher

Abuja, Nigeria– President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly condemned the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers in Oyo State, describing the act as “barbaric” while assuring Nigerians that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue all victims.

The condemnation was contained in an official statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, armed bandits had last Friday invaded the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, launching a coordinated attack on multiple schools.

During the assault, the attackers abducted staff, students, and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, throwing the community into panic and grief.

The Presidency disclosed that security operatives have since launched a full-scale rescue operation, working “around the clock” to secure the release of the victims and track down those responsible for the heinous crime, including their alleged collaborators within the community.

Reacting to the tragic development, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers, extending his condolences to the bereaved family and others affected by the incident.

“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community,” the President said.

He further sympathised with the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, commending his swift response and efforts in addressing the crisis.

“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,” Tinubu added.

The President reassured residents of Oyo State that the Federal Government is working in close collaboration with the state government to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted persons.

“The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims,” he stated.

Tinubu also praised the Nigeria Police Force leadership for its rapid response, specifically commending the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and neighbouring Kwara State for their swift intervention.

“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 tactical teams and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to rescue the victims,” he said.

However, the President disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police is personally leading a technology-driven operation aimed at dismantling the criminal network behind the attack.

“The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon,” Tinubu said.

He vowed that those behind the abduction and killing would not escape justice.

“The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he declared.

The President also used the incident to renew his call for urgent security reforms, stressing that the growing menace of kidnapping highlights the need for the establishment of state police across Nigeria.

“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 added.