President Bola Tinubu has expressed sympathy with families affected by the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA of Oyo state, assuring them that the federal government will spare no effort to secure the safe return of the victims.
The President, in a statement on Monday, described the attack on the Esiele and Yawota communities as heartbreaking, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces for children.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” Tinubu said.
He also condoled with the family of the late Mary Oyedokun, whose husband, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by bandits during the incident.
“I also extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mary Oyedokun. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, and her family will not be abandoned,” the President stated.
Tinubu said ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers would be intelligence-driven, coordinated and sustained until all victims are safely reunited with their families.
“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.
The President’s assurance comes weeks after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers in the affected communities, triggering widespread concern over school safety and insecurity in rural areas.
As part of the federal government’s response, a high-powered delegation comprising Femi Gbajabiamila, the chief of staff to the president, Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, the minister of defence; and Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police among other security officials, was dispatched to the area.
Tinubu also reaffirmed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to strengthen efforts to free the abducted victims.
“I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” he said.
The President further disclosed that 1,000 forest guards would be mobilised in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to improve surveillance across forest corridors frequently exploited by armed groups.
He added that a proposal for the establishment of a military base in the area was receiving urgent consideration as part of broader measures to tackle insecurity and prevent future attacks.
