President Bola Tinubu has described as barbaric the killing of one of the teachers abducted by bandits in the Esiele community of Oyo State, even as security operatives intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
The crisis began last Friday when armed bandits stormed the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting staff, students, and pupils from three schools — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
In a statement released on Monday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured the people of Oyo State that the federal government is fully committed to rescuing all victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The President sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde and the families of the victims, while commending the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their swift response, including the deployment of a tactical and Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
Tinubu disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police is personally leading a technology-driven rescue operation on his direct instructions, expressing confidence that a breakthrough is imminent.
He warned that the bandits and their local collaborators within the community would be tracked down and made to face the full force of the law.
The President also used the occasion to call on the National Assembly to fast-track legislation establishing state police, arguing that the rising wave of kidnappings highlights the urgent need to provide security in underserved communities across the country.