By Jane Okafor, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during the invasion of Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric and inhumane.
The President, however, assured Nigerians that security agencies were intensifying efforts to rescue all remaining victims kidnapped by bandits during the attack on schools in the community last Friday.
The gunmen had reportedly invaded the Esiele community and abducted staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, as well as L.A. Primary School.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu sympathised with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the families of the victims and residents of the state over the tragic incident.
The President said the Federal Government was working closely with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted persons and the arrest of those behind the attack.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states for their swift intervention and deployment of tactical and Intelligence Response Team personnel to the affected area.
According to the President, the Inspector-General of Police is personally leading a technology-driven operation aimed at rescuing the victims and tracking down the perpetrators.
“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.
Tinubu also renewed calls for the establishment of state police, saying rising cases of kidnapping across the country underscored the need for state-controlled policing structures to secure underserved communities.
He urged the National Assembly to expedite action on legislation creating state police across the federation.
