President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sympathy with families affected by the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to securing the safe return of all victims.
In a statement issued on Monday, the President said he shares the grief, pain and uncertainty being experienced by families whose loved ones were taken during attacks on communities in Esiele and Yawota. The incident has sparked widespread concern across the country and renewed discussions about the security of schools and rural communities.
Tinubu stressed that educational institutions should remain safe environments where children can learn without fear, emphasizing that the abduction of pupils from school environments is unacceptable.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” he said.
The President also extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones during the attacks, particularly the family of a slain teacher whose death has further deepened the tragedy surrounding the incident.
While sympathizing with the bereaved family, Tinubu paid tribute to Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, describing her as a victim whose memory would be honored and whose family would not be neglected by the government.
“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.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to rescue the kidnapped victims, the President assured affected communities that security agencies were carrying out carefully coordinated operations aimed at bringing the abducted pupils and teachers home safely.
According to him, the rescue mission would be guided by intelligence gathering, strategic planning and sustained operational efforts designed to maximize the chances of a successful outcome.
“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.
The President’s remarks came shortly after the Federal Government dispatched a high-powered delegation to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area following the abductions, which reportedly occurred on May 15, 2026.
The delegation comprised top government officials and security chiefs, reflecting the seriousness with which the administration is treating the incident. Among those involved were 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 officials.
As part of efforts to strengthen security in the area and improve rescue operations, Tinubu reaffirmed the implementation of additional security measures previously announced by the Federal Government.
These measures include the deployment of a specialised security team equipped with advanced rescue and response capabilities to support ongoing efforts aimed at locating and recovering the abducted victims.
The President also disclosed that the Federal Government was collaborating with the Oyo State Government to recruit and deploy 1,000 forest guards who will assist in monitoring forest regions and remote corridors often used by criminal groups for movement and hideouts.
The initiative is expected to enhance surveillance, improve intelligence gathering and limit the operational freedom of armed groups operating within the affected areas.
Tinubu noted that the broader security strategy would be backed by additional operational measures intended to strengthen rescue missions and improve overall security across vulnerable communities.
“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.
The President further revealed that requests for the establishment of a military formation within the affected area were currently being considered as part of efforts to provide a more permanent security presence and deter future attacks.
The abductions in Esiele and Yawota communities have intensified concerns about insecurity in rural areas and the safety of educational institutions. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stronger security arrangements around schools and greater protection for communities vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
Despite the challenges, government authorities insist that security agencies remain fully committed to securing the release of the victims while implementing long-term measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
