RismadarVoice Reporters
May 18, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during a bandit attack on schools in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable.
The President gave the assurance on Monday as security agencies intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victims kidnapped during the invasion of the community last Friday.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the attackers stormed the Esiele community and abducted staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
President Tinubu expressed sympathy to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the families of the victims, and residents of the state over the incident, while assuring that the Federal Government was working closely with the Oyo State Government to secure the safe return of all abductees.
“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community. I sympathise with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter. I sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims,” the President stated.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their swift response, including the deployment of tactical operatives and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to the affected area.
According to the President, the Inspector-General of Police is personally leading a technology-driven operation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
“The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Tinubu declared, expressing optimism that security agencies would soon record a breakthrough.
The President also used the opportunity to renew calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity have made decentralised policing increasingly necessary.
“Cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police to man some of our underserved areas. The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police,” he said.
Security operatives are said to be conducting intensive operations in the affected areas as efforts continue to rescue the kidnapped victims unharmed.
