President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will exhaust every lawful option available to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, declaring that security agencies have been directed to intensify rescue efforts through coordinated and intelligence-driven operations.
The President gave the assurance amid growing public concern over the abduction of students and educators from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has triggered protests, widespread condemnation and an indefinite strike by teachers across the state.
In a statement released on his official X account on Monday, Tinubu said the safety and return of the victims remained a top priority for his administration.
“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,” the President stated.
Tinubu also expressed grief over the death of a teacher reportedly killed during the ordeal and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased.
“I also extend my deepest condolences to Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the wife of the late school teacher and her family.
”Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his family will not be abandoned,” he said.
The President stressed that schools should remain safe environments for learning and development, insisting that children must never be subjected to the trauma and fear associated with abduction.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” he added.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the rescue mission, Tinubu assured residents of the affected communities that security agencies would continue to pursue every available lead until the victims are safely recovered.
The President also highlighted measures already approved to strengthen security in the area, including the deployment of 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 stated.
His remarks come as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address the crisis following the May 15 abduction, which shocked residents and education stakeholders across Oyo State.
In response to the incident, a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area to assess the situation and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to securing the victims’ release.
The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alongside other senior security and government officials.
During the visit, the team met with community leaders, families of the victims and local stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to coordinate rescue operations and strengthen security measures in the area.
Tinubu further disclosed that the Federal Government, working in partnership with the Oyo State Government, had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to improve surveillance and security within forest corridors frequently used by criminal elements.
According to him, the initiative forms part of broader efforts aimed at preventing future attacks and enhancing security operations across vulnerable communities.
The President also revealed that a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area is currently receiving urgent consideration.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when gunmen reportedly invaded the Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping dozens of pupils, teachers and a secondary school principal.
Reports later emerged that one of the abducted teachers was killed while being held captive, further deepening public outrage and concern.
The incident sparked protests by residents and civil society groups, while the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike to press for stronger government action and the immediate rescue of the victims.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has continued to engage with affected families and community leaders, assuring them that both state and federal authorities are working tirelessly to secure the release of those still in captivity.
During a visit to the families of the abductees, the governor appealed for patience and cooperation, urging residents not to politicise the tragedy or apportion blame while rescue operations remain ongoing.
Makinde maintained that all stakeholders must unite behind the efforts of security agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims and restore confidence in the safety of schools and communities across the state.
As rescue efforts continue, anxiety remains high among parents, teachers and residents, many of whom are hoping for a swift resolution to an incident that has once again highlighted the security challenges facing educational institutions in parts of the country.
