President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured families of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State that the Federal Government will deploy all available resources to secure their safe return.
In a statement issued on Monday, the President expressed deep sympathy for the affected families following the attack on Esiele and Yawota communities, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the security challenges facing some parts of the country.
Tinubu said no child should ever be taken from the safety of a classroom, while acknowledging the trauma and anxiety being experienced by parents, guardians, and community members.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” the President stated.
He also extended his condolences to the family of Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, a teacher who lost her life during the attack, describing her as a dedicated educator whose sacrifice would not be forgotten.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, and her family will not be abandoned,” he said.
The President assured Nigerians that rescue operations were ongoing and would continue in a coordinated, intelligence-driven manner. According to him, both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches are being deployed to ensure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” Tinubu said.
The statement follows the visit of a high-powered Federal Government delegation to the affected communities after the abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026.
The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among other senior government and security officials.
Tinubu also announced the reinforcement of security measures in the area, including the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities. He added that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, would mobilise 1,000 forest guards to strengthen surveillance in forest corridors often used by criminal elements.
The President further disclosed that a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area was receiving urgent attention as part of broader efforts to improve security and prevent future attacks.
The abduction of pupils and teachers in Esiele and Yawota communities has sparked widespread concern over school safety and rural insecurity in Oyo State. Authorities, however, maintain that ongoing security operations are focused on securing the safe return of the victims and restoring confidence in affected communities.
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