President Bola Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during an attack on schools in Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and inhumane.
The President gave the assurance as security agencies intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victims kidnapped during the invasion of the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
According to reports, armed bandits stormed the community last Friday and abducted staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde, the state government and residents over the incident.
The President also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured Nigerians that the federal government was working closely with the Oyo State government to secure the safe release of those still in captivity.
“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community,” Tinubu said.
“I sympathise with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter. I also sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims.”
Tinubu disclosed that security agencies had launched coordinated rescue operations aimed at locating the victims and arresting the attackers as well as their collaborators.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara State, for their swift intervention and deployment of tactical teams and the Intelligence Response Team.
According to the President, the Inspector-General of Police is personally overseeing the technology-driven operation following directives from the presidency.
“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 said the recurring incidents of kidnapping across parts of the country highlighted the urgent need for the establishment of state police.
He called on the National Assembly to expedite legislative processes for the creation of state police structures aimed at improving security in underserved communities.
