Tinubu Condemns Killing of Abducted Oyo Teacher, Vows Rescue of Remaining Victims
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of one of the abducted teachers from Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, assuring Nigerians that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the killing as “barbaric” and expressed sympathy to the affected families, as well as the Oyo State Government.
The statement, released from the State House in Abuja on May 18, 2026, read, “President Bola Tinubu has condemned as barbaric the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers from the Esiele community in Oyo State, while the rescue operation is underway.”
According to the Presidency, armed bandits attacked schools in the Esiele community last Friday, abducting staff and students from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The Federal Government said security agencies have launched coordinated operations to rescue the victims and apprehend those behind the attack.
“Security operatives are working around the clock to rescue the victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators within the community,” the statement added.
Tinubu also sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde and the families of those affected by the incident, while commending the efforts already taken by the state government.
“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 stated.
He further noted that the Federal Government is collaborating with the Oyo State Government to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.
“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 the deployment of tactical and Intelligence Response Team personnel to rescue the victims,” Tinubu said.
The President added that he is personally monitoring developments and disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police is leading a technology-driven operation aimed at securing a breakthrough soon.
“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 assured.
Tinubu also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, saying the growing cases of kidnapping across the country highlight the urgent need for decentralised policing.
“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,” the President concluded.
