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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Monday, that security agencies are stepping up efforts to rescue victims kidnapped by gunmen in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State,
He condemned the killing of one of the kidnapped teachers and renewed calls for the creation of a state police force.
The president described the killings as a barbaric act and promised that the perpetrators and their local collaborators would be traced and prosecuted.
In an update on the same day, Governor Seyi Makinde said 18 secondary school students, seven primary school students and seven teachers were kidnapped by gunmen, who stormed Esiele community last Friday.
The victims were taken by gunmen from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and LA Primary School.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the Federal Government is working with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of all victims.
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He sympathized with the governor, state government and residents over the incident, while offering condolences to the families affected by the kidnapping.
The statement read: “I am saddened by the report of the murder of one of the kidnapped teachers by armed men who invaded the community.
“I sympathize with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on this issue. I sympathize with the families of the abductees.”
Tinubu explained that security forces were working around the clock to secure the release of the victims and arrest the perpetrators of the attack.
According to him, Inspector General of Police (IG) Tunji Disu, as per his directions, personally coordinated the technology-based operation aimed at rescuing the 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 Commissioner of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their quick intervention and deployment of Tactical and Intelligence Response Team personnel to rescue the victims.
“The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading this technology-based operation. We expect a breakthrough soon. The bandits and all their local collaborators will be arrested and faced with the full wrath of the law.”
Renewing his advocacy for the creation of a state police force, the President said that the recurring incidents of kidnapping across the country, further highlighted the need for a decentralized police structure.
He called on the National Assembly to speed up the legislative process towards establishing a state police force to strengthen security coverage, especially in underserved communities.
