President Bola Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers from Esiele community in Oyo State, describing the act as barbaric, while rescue operations continue.
Bandits invaded Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday, abducting staff, students, and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
Security operatives are working round the clock to rescue the victims and arrest the attackers as well as their collaborators within the community.
President Tinubu expressed sympathy to Governor Seyi Makinde, the state government, and residents of Oyo State over the incident, and assured them that the Federal Government will work closely with the state to secure the release of all abducted victims.
He said: “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 Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims. I commend the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their swift response and the deployment of a tactical and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to rescue the victims.
“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 arrested and brought to justice.
“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 said.