President assures families of intensified rescue efforts, deployment of specialised security unit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy to 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.
The President made the remarks in a statement released on Monday in reaction to the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers from communities in Esiele and Yawota, an incident that has heightened national concern over insecurity and the safety of schools across the country.
Tinubu said he shared in the pain, fear and anxiety being experienced by affected families and residents following the attack.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” the President stated.
He also extended condolences to the family of the slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by the abductors during the attack.
The President specifically sympathiZed with the widow of the deceased teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, assuring the family that the sacrifice of the late educator 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,” Tinubu said.
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, stressing that rescue operations would continue in a coordinated and intelligence-driven manner.
According to him, both kinetic and non-kinetic security strategies would be deployed to ensure the successful rescue of all victims without compromising their safety.
“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 stated.
The latest statement by the President followed the recent visit of a high-level Federal Government delegation to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The delegation, which was sent to assess the security situation and reassure residents, included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (RTD); and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among other top officials.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men invaded schools within the Esiele and Yawota communities and abducted pupils and teachers.
The attack triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the vulnerability of schools and rural communities to criminal attacks.
Tinubu further reinforced earlier security measures announced for the area, including the deployment of a specialized security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities.
“I have also directed the deployment of a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” the President said.
He also confirmed the mobilization of 1,000 forest guards to work in collaboration with the Oyo State Government in strengthening surveillance and security operations around forest corridors frequently exploited by armed groups.
According to the President, the recruitment forms part of broader measures aimed at curbing insecurity and improving rapid response operations in vulnerable communities.
The forest guards are expected to support ongoing intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated rescue missions in difficult terrains often used by kidnappers as hideouts.
Tinubu further disclosed that the request by residents and traditional rulers for the establishment of a military base in the affected area was receiving urgent attention from the Federal Government.
The President noted that his administration remained determined to strengthen security architecture across the country and ensure that schools remain safe learning environments for children.
The abduction in Oriire Local Government Area has continued to generate reactions from labour unions, civil society organisations, religious groups and education stakeholders nationwide.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) had earlier declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State over the prolonged captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers, while solidarity rallies have also been planned across the country to demand improved security for schools and communities.
Similarly, human rights groups and religious organizations have continued to call for stronger security measures and urgent action to combat rising cases of kidnapping and attacks on educational institutions.
Security analysts have warned that persistent attacks on schools could further deepen fear among parents and negatively affect access to education, especially in rural communities already struggling with inadequate infrastructure and insecurity.
Despite growing public concern, authorities insist that ongoing rescue operations are being carefully coordinated to ensure the victims are rescued safely without exposing them to additional danger.
The Federal Government has also urged residents and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful intelligence capable of aiding rescue operations and preventing future attacks.
