President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the abduction of teachers and pupils from schools in Oyo State, pledging federal intervention to secure their release.
Gunmen on motorcycles attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area last week. They killed a staff member and took away a principal, multiple teachers, and several students.
Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota was among the targets. Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinle and L.A.
Primary School also came under attack.
Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, announced the development on Monday. He confirmed rescue operations had already started.
Security personnel are working continuously to free the captives and capture those responsible. Operatives have also been tasked with identifying community members who aided the attackers.
Tinubu expressed sympathy for Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state. He promised that those behind the incident would face justice.
"I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen," the President said. He noted that the Federal Government is collaborating with Oyo authorities on the rescue mission.
In his words, the Inspector-General of Police is spearheading the operation under his personal direction. "We expect a breakthrough soon," Tinubu noted.
He commended the police chief and commissioners in both Oyo and Kwara States for their swift response. The Tactical and Intelligence Response Team has been deployed to aid efforts.
Tinubu stressed that bandits and their local accomplices will be brought to face consequences. "The full wrath of the law" awaits those involved, according to him.
The President used the incident to push for state police creation. He believes such a force would help secure remote and neglected communities better.
"Cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police," Tinubu stated. He called on the National Assembly to move faster on passing the enabling law.
Lawmakers must accelerate the process without further delay, the President emphasized. This would allow states to deploy police in underserved areas more effectively.
Governor Makinde's administration has already taken steps to address the situation. Tinubu acknowledged these efforts in his statement.
