President Bola Tinubu has described the killing of one of the abducted teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as cruel and tragic, condemning the attack in strong terms.
A viral video circulated on Monday showed one of the kidnapped teachers at Community High School, Ahoro Esinle, identified as Oyedokun M.O., being shot and beheaded by the assailants.
In a statement issued on Monday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the president extended his condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of Oyo State over the incident.
He said, “I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community. I sympathise with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter. I sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims.”
Tinubu stated that the Federal Government was collaborating with the Oyo State Government to secure the safe return of the remaining abducted victims.
The president also praised the Inspector-General of Police and the commissioners of police in Oyo and Kwara states for their prompt response, including the deployment of tactical operatives and the Intelligence Response Team to rescue those in captivity.
According to him, the police chief has been directly coordinating the technology-driven rescue operation, assuring Nigerians that those behind the attack and anyone aiding them would be brought to justice.
“The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon. The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Tinubu further urged the National Assembly to fast-track legislation establishing state police, saying the growing cases of kidnapping highlight the urgent need for decentralised policing, especially in vulnerable communities.
“Cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police to man some of our underserved areas. The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police,” he said.
