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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his deepest sympathies to the families affected by the tragic kidnapping of teachers and students in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area. He has mobilized top security forces to ensure the safe release of every victim, declaring that taking a child from the safety of a classroom is unacceptable.
In a statement issued this Monday, June 1st, 2026, the President conveyed his profound empathy for the victims’ families following the tragic incidents in Esiele and Yawota. He acknowledged that the assault had ignited widespread apprehensions across the country regarding the current state of school security.
Tinubu said, “No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish.”
The President also commiserated with the family of a teacher killed during the attack, Mrs Oyedokun, the widow of Michael Oyedokun, who was beheaded by bandits in Oyo State. describing her as a victim whose sacrifice would not be forgotten.
He said, “I also extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, and her family will not be abandoned.”
He assured that rescue operations would continue in a coordinated and intelligence-driven manner, with the government deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the release of abducted victims.
He said, “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.”
The President’s statement follows a high-level Federal Government delegation sent to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, following the abduction of pupils and teachers on May 15, 2026.
The delegation included senior government and security officials such as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others.
President Tinubu further reinforced previously announced security measures in the area, including the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities and the mobilisation of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen surveillance in forest corridors used by armed groups.
He also said the initiative would be supported by broader operational measures aimed at improving rescue efforts.
He said, “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.”
The President noted that a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area was receiving urgent consideration.
The abduction in Esiele and Yawota communities has heightened concerns over school safety and rural insecurity, with authorities maintaining that ongoing operations are aimed at securing the safe return of victims and strengthening security in vulnerable areas.
