President Bola Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during last Friday’s attack on schools in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and inhuman.
The President also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was working closely with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to secure the release of the remaining victims still being held by the abductors.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sadness over the development and sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde, the people of Oyo State and families of the kidnapped victims.
Bandits had invaded the Esiele community last Friday, abducting staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, as well as L.A. Primary School.
The attack has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over worsening insecurity and the growing spread of kidnapping incidents into parts of the South-West.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President disclosed that security operatives were currently working round the clock to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend both the kidnappers and their collaborators within the community.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, acting on his directive, is personally coordinating a technology-driven operation involving tactical and Intelligence Response Team, IRT, operatives.
“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 deployment of tactical and Intelligence Response Team operatives,” the President stated.
“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 further stressed that the increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks across parts of the country had reinforced the need for the establishment of state police.
According to him, the creation of state police would help strengthen security architecture and improve policing in underserved communities vulnerable to criminal attacks.
“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.
The President’s intervention came amid heightened security operations in Oyo State following reports that one of the abducted teachers was killed while rescue efforts were ongoing.
