President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised that all efforts will be made to rescue the teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State.
According to him, security agencies have been directed to deploy every lawful means available, including both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, to ensure the safe return of the victims.
“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” President Tinubu said in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (left), addressing the families of teachers and pupils abducted in Ahoro, Esiele, Yawota Community in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during his visit to the community. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit
The President also expressed sorrow over the killing of a teacher during the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, and extended his condolences to the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun.
“I also extend my deepest condolences to Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the wife of the late school teacher and her family. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his family will not be abandoned,” he stated.
Also, President Tinubu stressed that children should never be subjected to the trauma of abduction.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” he said.
He further assured the affected communities that ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers would remain sustained, coordinated and intelligence-driven.
Tinubu also reiterated measures already approved to strengthen security in the area, including the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities.
“I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” he said.
The President’s statement comes amid heightened concern over the May 15, 2026 abduction, which prompted the Federal Government to dispatch a high-level delegation to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among other senior government and security officials.
The Federal Government delegation met with community leaders and relatives of the victims as efforts continue to secure the release of those still being held captive.
Tinubu further disclosed that, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government was mobilising 1,000 forest guards to improve surveillance in forest corridors often exploited by armed groups.
He added that the initiative would be backed by broader operational measures designed to enhance rescue operations and prevent future attacks.
Tinubu also revealed that a request to establish a military base in the affected area was under urgent consideration.
Gunmen had on May 15 reportedly attacked the Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducting scores of pupils and teachers, including the principal of a secondary school.
One of the teachers was reportedly killed by the bandits while in captivity.
The incident drew widespread condemnation, anger, and grief, triggering protests and an indefinite strike by the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, visited the families of the victims, where he assured residents that his administration would continue to deploy every available effort to secure the safe return of the teachers and pupils.
Governor Makinde consoling the husband of the principal abducted attacked during the attack
Makinde appealed for patience, understanding, and cooperation.
He, however, urged residents to avoid apportioning blame to either the federal or state governments and instead unite behind efforts to rescue the abductees.
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