President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during a bandit attack on schools in the Esiele community of Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and assuring that efforts to rescue the remaining victims are ongoing.
The President gave the assurance in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the attack carried out last Friday in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
According to the statement, armed bandits invaded the Esiele community and abducted staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
President Tinubu said security agencies were working round the clock to secure the release of the victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack, including collaborators within the community.
He sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State over the incident and pledged continued collaboration between the federal and state governments to ensure the victims are rescued safely.
“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 added that the Federal Government was already coordinating efforts with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations.
President Tinubu also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara State for what he described as swift intervention and deployment of tactical and Intelligence Response Team personnel to the area.
“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.
The President further said the rising cases of kidnapping across parts of the country reinforced the need for the establishment of state police to strengthen security, particularly 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.
The attack and subsequent killing of one of the abducted teachers have sparked concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, with authorities intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims.