Tinubu Speaks on Oyo Abductees, Condemns Killing of Teacher

President Bola Tinubu has assured that all victims abducted during the attack on schools in Oyo State will be rescued, while condemning the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers.

The statement was issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Bandits had invaded the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, abducting staff, students, and pupils of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

According to the Presidency, security operatives have been deployed and are working “round the clock” to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers and their collaborators.

President Tinubu described the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers as “barbaric,” expressing sympathy with Governor Seyi Makinde, the state government, and affected families.

He said: “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 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 a tactical and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) team to rescue the victims,” he added.

Tinubu further stated that the Inspector-General of Police, “following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation,” expressing confidence that “we expect a breakthrough soon,” while vowing that “the bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

He also renewed calls for the creation of state police, saying kidnapping cases “make imperative the establishment of state police to man some of our underserved areas,” urging the National Assembly to fast-track the legislation.

Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that seven teachers were abducted and one of them, believed to be a Mathematics teacher, was killed.

“What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. Unfortunately, we received a video this morning indicating that one of the teachers, understood to be the Mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists. Our prayers are with the family,” Makinde said.

Following the incident, teachers in Ogbomoso shut down classroom activities on Monday and staged a peaceful protest to the TESCOM office, demanding the safe return of abducted victims and improved security in schools.

The teachers carried placards and called on authorities at all levels to intensify efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity, while also demanding safer learning environments for staff and students.