President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conveyed his sympathies to the families of teachers and schoolchildren kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressing that educational institutions must remain safe spaces for learning and development.
In a statement issued on Monday, the President expressed deep concern over the attack that occurred in the Esiele and Yawota communities, noting that the incident had generated widespread anxiety across the country. He said he understood the distress and uncertainty being faced by parents, guardians, and relatives of those still in captivity.
According to the President, it is unacceptable for students to be forcefully taken from schools, emphasizing that no family should be subjected to the trauma and emotional burden caused by such acts of violence. He assured affected residents that the Federal Government remains committed to securing the release of all abducted victims.
Tinubu also paid tribute to Mary Oyedokun, whose husband, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed during the attack by armed criminals. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, describing the tragedy as painful and assuring them that the government would not overlook their suffering.
The President reiterated that ongoing efforts to free the kidnapped pupils and teachers would be carried out through carefully coordinated operations supported by credible intelligence. He stated that security agencies would continue to apply every legitimate strategy available, including both force-based and non-force-based approaches, to ensure the victims are safely reunited with their families.
He explained that the administration is determined to sustain pressure on criminal groups responsible for the abductions while avoiding actions that could endanger the lives of those being held. The rescue mission, he added, would remain active until all captives regain their freedom.
Tinubu’s remarks came after the Federal Government dispatched a high-powered delegation to the affected communities following the abduction incident of May 15, 2026. The team comprised top-ranking government officials and security chiefs tasked with assessing the situation and strengthening response measures.
Among those involved were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alongside other senior officials.
To improve security within the area, the President reaffirmed the implementation of additional protective measures. These include the deployment of a specially trained security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to support ongoing operations. He also highlighted plans to work closely with the Oyo State Government in recruiting and deploying 1,000 forest guards to monitor remote areas and forest routes often exploited by armed groups.
Furthermore, Tinubu disclosed that authorities are reviewing proposals for the establishment of a military base within the region to strengthen long-term security and enhance rapid response capabilities.
The kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Esiele and Yawota has intensified public concerns regarding the safety of schools and communities in rural parts of the country. However, government officials insist that efforts remain focused on rescuing the victims, restoring confidence among residents, and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
