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 spare no effort in securing their release, while also paying tribute to a teacher killed during the attack.
Reacting to the incident that occurred in the Esiele and Yawota communities, the President expressed sympathy for the affected families, saying the nation shares in their grief and concern.
He stressed that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and condemned the abduction of children from their classrooms.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” Tinubu said in a statement released on Monday.
The President also extended his condolences to the family of Mrs Mary Oyedokun, the teacher who lost her life during the attack, assuring them that her sacrifice would not be forgotten.
“I also 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.
Tinubu pledged that security agencies would continue pursuing the safe return of the abducted victims through coordinated and intelligence-driven operations.
“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” he said.
His comments came after a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited the affected communities following the abductions of May 15, 2026.
The delegation comprised top government and security officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
As part of efforts to tackle the security challenges in the area, Tinubu reiterated plans to deploy a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities.
“I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” he said.
The President further disclosed that the Federal Government, in partnership with the Oyo State Government, would deploy 1,000 forest guards to strengthen surveillance and deny criminal groups access to forest corridors frequently used as hideouts.
He added that a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area is receiving urgent attention.
The attack on Esiele and Yawota communities has renewed concerns about school security and rural banditry, with authorities maintaining that ongoing operations are focused on rescuing the victims and preventing similar incidents in the future.