Felicia Asuquo, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed 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 and inhumane.
The President gave the assurance that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend those behind the attack.
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 State House, President Tinubu sympathised with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the state government, and families affected by 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 also sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims,” the President said.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is collaborating closely with the Oyo State Government to ensure the safe rescue of all victims.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their swift response and the deployment of tactical and Intelligence Response Team (IRT) operatives to the area.
According to the President, the Inspector-General of Police is personally leading a technology-driven rescue operation following directives from the Presidency.
“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 stated.
The President also stressed the need for the establishment of state police, noting that persistent kidnapping cases across the country highlight the urgency of decentralising policing to better secure underserved communities.
He called on the National Assembly to accelerate legislative action toward the creation of state police structures in Nigeria.