President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to families impacted by the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. In a statement issued on Monday, he conveyed his shared grief and anxiety with the affected families following the violent attacks in the communities of Esiele and Yawota, which have sparked widespread concern regarding school safety.
Expressing his sentiments, Tinubu emphasized, “No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish.” He also paid tribute to Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, a teacher murdered during the assault, highlighting her sacrifice and reassured her family that they would not be forgotten nor neglected.
In commitment to addressing the crisis, the President announced that rescue operations would proceed in a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven manner. This approach would combine both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to aid in the release of those abducted. “Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available,” he stated.
The President’s remarks followed a visit by a senior Federal Government delegation to the affected regions, which included high-ranking officials from security and defense sectors. This visit aimed to assess the situation and reinforce governmental presence in the crisis-stricken communities.
Tinubu also underscored the importance of heightened security measures in the area, announcing the deployment of a specialized rescue unit and the mobilization of 1,000 forest guards in partnership with the Oyo State Government. These initiatives are designed to bolster surveillance in areas exploited by armed groups. Additionally, he revealed that a request for establishing a military base in the affected locality is currently under urgent consideration.
The abductions in Esiele and Yawota have intensified worries surrounding school safety and general rural insecurity. Authorities maintain that ongoing operations are focused on securing the safe return of the victims and enhancing security in vulnerable regions.
