- Tinubu Condoles Family of Beheaded Teacher, Assures Rescue of Oyo Abductees
- Says security agencies have been directed to deploy every lawful means necessary
- Disclosed that a request for the establishment of a military base within the affected axis is receiving urgent consideration
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy with families affected by the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, declaring that no child should ever be taken from the safety of a classroom.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement issued on Monday, the President said he shares in the pain, anxiety and uncertainty being experienced by parents and relatives following the attack on the Esiele and Yawota communities, an incident that has sparked nationwide concern over the safety of schools.
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“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” Tinubu stated.
The President also extended his condolences to the family of the late teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed while in captivity, assuring that his sacrifice would not be forgotten.
“I also extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his family will not be abandoned,” he said.
Tinubu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, stressing that rescue efforts would remain intelligence-driven, coordinated and sustained.
According to him, security agencies have been directed to deploy every lawful means necessary, including both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed.
“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 said.
The statement comes days after a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area to assess the situation and reassure residents of ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.
The delegation was led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, senior military officers and other top security officials.
Tinubu further reaffirmed previously announced security measures, including the deployment of a specialised rescue unit equipped with advanced capabilities and the mobilisation of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen surveillance around forest corridors often used by criminal groups.
He also disclosed that a request for the establishment of a military base within the affected axis is receiving urgent consideration as part of broader efforts to improve security and prevent future attacks.
The abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, has continued to generate national outrage, with concerns mounting over the safety of schools in rural communities. Authorities, however, insist that ongoing operations remain focused on securing the safe return of all victims while strengthening security across vulnerable areas of the state.
