President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during a deadly raid on schools in Oyo State, describing the act as “barbaric” as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
Gunmen had stormed the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday, abducting staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, triggering outrage and panic across the state.
In a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu assured Nigerians that security operatives were working “around the clock” to secure the release of the victims and arrest those behind the attack.
The President expressed sympathy to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the state government and families affected by the tragedy.
“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community,” Tinubu said.
“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 disclosed that the Federal Government was collaborating closely with the Oyo State Government to ensure the safe return of all those abducted.
“The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims,” he stated.
Tinubu also praised the Inspector-General of Police and police authorities in Oyo and Kwara states for what he described as a swift and coordinated response to the crisis.
“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 and Intelligence Response Team operatives to rescue the victims,” he added.
The President further revealed that the Inspector-General of Police was personally coordinating a technology-driven operation on his directive.
“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,” Tinubu declared.
In a strong policy push, the President said the latest abduction case once again highlighted the urgent need for 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 said.
