President Bola Tinubu has expressed sympathy with families affected by the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, declaring that no child should ever be taken from the safety of a classroom.
In a statement issued on Monday, the president said he shared in the pain and anxiety of families affected by the attack on the Esiele and Yawota communities, an incident that has sparked renewed national concern over insecurity around schools and rural communities.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” Tinubu stated.
The President also commiserated with the family of the late Mrs Mary Oyedokun, widow of Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by bandits during the attack in Oyo State.
Tinubu described the slain teacher as a victim whose 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 added.
The president assured affected residents that rescue operations would continue in a coordinated and intelligence-driven manner, stressing that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies would be deployed to secure the release of the abducted victims.
“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.
Tinubu’s remarks followed the visit of a high-powered federal government delegation to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area after the abductions, which occurred on May 15, 2026.
The delegation comprised top government and security officials, including 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.
The president further reaffirmed previously announced security interventions in the area, including the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities.
He also disclosed that the federal government, in partnership with the Oyo State Government, had begun plans to mobilise 1,000 forest guards to strengthen surveillance in forest corridors allegedly used by criminal groups.
According to him, the initiative will complement wider operational measures aimed at improving rescue missions and preventing further attacks in 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,” Tinubu stated.
He added that a proposal for the establishment of a military base in the affected area was receiving urgent attention from the federal government.
The abduction in Esiele and Yawota communities has intensified public concern over school safety and rural insecurity in Oyo State, with security agencies insisting that ongoing operations are focused on rescuing the victims and strengthening protection for communities exposed to attacks.
