By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during an attack on schools in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.
The President gave the assurance on Monday following last Friday’s invasion of the Esiele community by bandits who abducted staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said security operatives were working round the clock to secure the release of the victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The President sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State over the incident, while also condoling with the families of the abducted victims.
“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 said.
He disclosed that the Federal Government was collaborating with the Oyo State Government to ensure the safe rescue of all those abducted.
President Tinubu also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara State for their swift response and deployment of tactical and Intelligence Response Team personnel to the area.
“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,” he added.
The President further stated that the recurring cases of kidnapping across parts of the country underscored the need for the establishment of state police, urging the National Assembly to expedite action on legislation creating state policing structures.
“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 stated.
