Tinubu Orders Intensified Rescue Efforts After Killing of Abducted Oyo Teacher

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify ongoing rescue operations following the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during an attack on schools in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The President condemned the killing as “barbaric” and assured that security operatives were working to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Gunmen had invaded the Esiele community on Friday, abducting staff, pupils and students from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sympathy to the families affected by the incident and commended the response of the Oyo State Government.

“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 disclosed that the Federal Government was collaborating closely with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to secure the safe return of those still in captivity.

“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 tactical and Intelligence Response Team personnel to rescue the victims,” he said.

The President further revealed that the Inspector-General of Police was personally coordinating the operation on his directive through technology-driven intelligence gathering.

“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 stated.

The President also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, noting that rising incidents of kidnapping across the country reinforce the need for decentralised policing to strengthen security at the sub-national level.

“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.