President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of one of the abducted teachers from the Esiele community in Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and assuring that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
The President’s reaction followed last Friday’s attack on schools in the Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where bandits abducted teachers, pupils, and students from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sadness over the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers during the ongoing rescue operation.
“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community,” the President said.
He sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government, and the people of Oyo State over the incident, while also extending condolences to the affected families.
Tinubu stated that the Federal Government was collaborating closely with the Oyo State Government to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted victims.
The President also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states for what he described as swift intervention efforts, including the deployment of tactical units and the Intelligence Response Team.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police is personally leading the operation following presidential directives, with authorities expecting 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 declared.
The President further used the incident to renew calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that growing insecurity and kidnapping cases have highlighted the urgent need for decentralised policing structures across underserved communities.
He urged the National Assembly to accelerate legislative processes toward the creation of state police in Nigeria.
