Tinubu Promises Justice For Beheaded Oyo Teacher, Praises Makinde Over Rescue Of Abducted Pupils

0

IBADAN – President Bola Tinubu has vowed that justice will be served for the family of Mr Michael Oyedokun, the Oyo teacher who was reportedly killed by his abductors, following the successful rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The President also commended the Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, for its cooperation with the Federal Government and security agencies throughout the rescue operation.

Tinubu’s reaction followed the release of the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity. The victims were rescued through a joint operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed happiness over the safe return of the victims, while praising security agencies for their efforts in securing their freedom without collateral damage.

Tinubu said the operation also led to the arrest of eight suspects and the neutralisation of some of the abductors.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso, in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.

He described the rescue as an end to the prolonged ordeal suffered by the victims, their families and Nigerians who followed the incident.

“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular,” Tinubu added.

The President assured that those responsible for the attack would face justice, particularly over the killing of Oyedokun, whose death had generated widespread condemnation.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he stated.

Tinubu also expressed appreciation to officers and men of the armed forces, intelligence agencies and police for their commitment throughout the operation.

He further commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government in efforts that led to the successful rescue of the victims.

“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” the President said.

The President also directed emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical attention and other necessary support for the rescued pupils and teachers.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers invaded three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, including Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

The attack resulted in the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers, while Mr Oyedokun was later killed by the attackers, an incident that sparked public outrage and renewed calls for improved security around schools across the country.