President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sympathy to families affected by the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, assuring them that efforts to rescue the victims will continue until they are safely reunited with their families.
In a statement issued on Monday, the President described the attack on the Esiele and Yawota communities as tragic, saying children should never be taken from the safety of their schools.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” Tinubu said.
President Condoles Family of Slain Teacher
Tinubu also commiserated with the family of Mrs Mary Oyedokun, whose husband, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by bandits during the attack.
He said the teacher’s sacrifice would not be forgotten and assured the family of government support.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, and her family will not be abandoned,” he said.
Rescue Efforts Ongoing
The President said security agencies have been directed to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers through coordinated and intelligence-driven operations.
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According to him, both military and non-military measures are being deployed to ensure the victims are rescued safely.
“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” he said.
FG Delegation Visits Affected Communities
The statement followed the visit of a Federal Government delegation to the affected communities after the abductions that occurred on May 15.
The delegation included the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
1,000 Forest Guards to Be Deployed
Tinubu said the Federal Government, working with the Oyo State Government, would deploy 1,000 forest guards to strengthen surveillance in forest areas often used by criminal groups.
He also announced the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to support ongoing operations.
The President added that a request for the establishment of a military base in the area is receiving urgent attention.
The abduction has renewed concerns about school security and rising insecurity in rural communities, with authorities insisting that efforts are underway to secure the release of the victims and improve protection for vulnerable areas.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.