…Says security forces closing in on kidnappers
…Renews call for state police amid school abduction crisis
President Bola Tinubu on Monday assured residents of Oyo State that security agencies were intensifying efforts to rescue victims abducted by gunmen in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of the state, while condemning the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers.
The President described the killing as barbaric and vowed that the perpetrators and their local collaborators would be tracked down and made to face the full weight of the law.
Gunmen had invaded Esiele community last Friday and abducted staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Federal Government was collaborating closely with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of all victims.
He expressed sympathy to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the state government and residents over the incident, while also condoling with the families affected by the abduction.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu disclosed that security personnel were working round the clock to secure the release of the victims and apprehend those behind the attack.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, acting on his directive, is personally coordinating a technology-driven operation aimed at rescuing the victims.
“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.
“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 said.
The President also renewed his advocacy for the creation of state police, saying the recurring incidents of kidnapping across parts of the country further highlighted the need for decentralised policing structures.
According to him, the National Assembly should accelerate legislative processes towards establishing state police to strengthen security coverage, particularly in underserved communities.
“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 stated.
