President Bola Tinubu has reacted to the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue all those taken by gunmen from the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Tinubu, in a statement on Monday, also condemned the killing of one of the abducted teachers, describing the incident as cruel and unacceptable.
The attack happened last Friday when armed men stormed the Esiele community and kidnapped staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, as well as L.A. Primary School.
Tinubu said security agencies have continued operations in the area and are working tirelessly to secure the release of the victims and arrest those behind the attack, including anyone aiding the criminals within the community.
The President sympathized with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the state government and families affected by the incident. He assured them that the Federal Government would continue to work closely with the Oyo State Government until all the victims are rescued.
He also praised the Inspector-General of Police and police authorities in Oyo and Kwara states for responding quickly after the incident. According to him, tactical officers and members of the Intelligence Response Team were deployed immediately to handle the rescue mission.
Tinubu disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police is personally overseeing the operation following directives from the presidency. He expressed confidence that security agencies would soon record progress in the case and bring the kidnappers and their collaborators to justice.
The President further stated that the growing cases of kidnapping across some parts of the country have once again raised the need for state police, especially in areas with limited security presence.
He called on the National Assembly to speed up the process of passing laws that would allow states to establish their own police structure.