President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the killing of a staff member and the abduction of teachers and pupils from Esiele community in Oyo State, assuring that the Federal Government will work with the state to secure the release of the victims.
Daily Trust had reported how gunmen on motorcycles attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, killing a staff member and abducting a principal, teachers and several pupils.
In a statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said a rescue operation was already underway.
He said the President had also urged the National Assembly to expedite the enactment of laws on state police to improve security in underserved areas.
Meanwhile, the Presidency said security operatives were “working around the clock to rescue the victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators within the community.”
While sympathising with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State over the incident, the President assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“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 Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims. I commend the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their quick intervention and the deployment of a tactical and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) team to rescue the victims.
“The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon. The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“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”, the President said.
Daily Trust
