President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sympathised with the families of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, declaring that children should never be taken from the safety of their schools.
In a statement issued on Monday, the President said he shared the grief and anxiety of families affected by the attack on the Esiele and Yawota communities, an incident that has sparked widespread concern about security in schools.
Tinubu said, “No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish.”
The President also expressed condolences to the family of a teacher who lost his life during the attack. He specifically sympathised with Mrs Oyedokun, wife of Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by bandits in Oyo State, noting that the victim’s 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.
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Tinubu assured Nigerians that efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers would continue through a carefully coordinated and intelligence-based approach. According to him, the government would utilise both military and non-military strategies to ensure the victims return home safely.
“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.
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The President’s remarks come after the Federal Government dispatched a high-powered delegation to the affected communities following the abductions of May 15, 2026.
Members of the delegation included 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, among other senior security and government officials.
Tinubu also reaffirmed previously announced security measures for the area. These include the deployment of a specialised rescue unit and the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in partnership with the Oyo State Government to improve surveillance across forest routes often used by armed groups.
He added that the initiative would be complemented by wider security operations aimed at boosting rescue efforts and preventing further attacks.
“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.
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The President further disclosed that a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area is receiving urgent attention.
The abductions in Esiele and Yawota have intensified concerns about school security and rural safety in Oyo State, with authorities insisting that ongoing operations are focused on rescuing the victims and strengthening protection for vulnerable communities.
