President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of one of the teachers abducted during a recent attack on schools in the Esiele community of Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and assuring that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.
Gunmen had invaded the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday, abducting staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sadness over the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers while sympathising with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State, as well as the families of the victims.
“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 stated that the Federal Government was collaborating with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of all those abducted.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states for their swift intervention, including the deployment of tactical units and the Intelligence Response Team to track down the kidnappers.
“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,” Tinubu added.
The President also renewed his call for the establishment of state police, saying the growing cases of kidnapping across underserved areas of the country highlighted the need for decentralised policing.
“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,” he said.
