President Bola Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during a bandit attack on schools in Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric, while assuring that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President said the Federal Government was working closely with the Oyo State Government to secure the release of all those kidnapped from the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area.
Gunmen had invaded the community last Friday, abducting staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
Tinubu expressed sympathy to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the families of the victims and residents of the affected community over the incident.
“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.
He disclosed that security operatives were working round the clock to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible for the attack, including alleged collaborators within the community.
The President also commended the Inspector-General of Police and police authorities in Oyo and Kwara states for deploying tactical teams and the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, to support the rescue mission.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police is personally coordinating the 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 stated.
The President further renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that rising cases of kidnapping underscored the need for decentralised policing structures to improve security coverage in underserved communities.
“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.
