Tinubu Condemns Killing of Abducted Teacher, Assures Rescue of Victims in Oyo

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during a bandit attack on schools in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric.

The President gave the assurance on Monday that security operatives were working tirelessly to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

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

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sympathy with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the state government and residents 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.

Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government was collaborating with the Oyo State Government to secure the release of all those abducted.

He also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states for their swift response, including the deployment of tactical teams and the Intelligence Response Team to track the kidnappers.

According to the President, the Inspector-General of Police is personally overseeing a technology-driven operation aimed at rescuing the victims.

“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,” he stated.

President Tinubu further renewed calls for the establishment of state police, saying the recurring cases of kidnapping across underserved areas of the country underscored the urgency of decentralising policing.

“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,” the President added.