President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during a recent attack on schools in Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Monday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President assured that ongoing security operations would ensure the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of those behind the attack.
The victims were abducted last Friday when armed bandits invaded Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, targeting Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
According to the statement, the attackers abducted staff, students and pupils during the assault, while security operatives have since launched coordinated rescue operations.
Tinubu expressed sympathy to Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State over 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 sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims,” the President said.
He stated that the Federal Government was working closely with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The President also commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police for deploying tactical and Intelligence Response Team (IRT) operatives to the affected area.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police is personally supervising the technology-driven operation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
“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 further reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying the increasing cases of kidnapping across parts of the country underscored the need for decentralised policing.
He urged the National Assembly to accelerate legislative processes toward the establishment of state police to strengthen security in underserved communities across the country.
