Abuja, May 18, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during last Friday’s attack on schools in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the act as “barbaric” and assuring Nigerians that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
The President gave the assurance in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, amid growing anxiety over the fate of students, pupils, and teachers kidnapped by armed bandits who invaded three schools in the agrarian community.
The gunmen reportedly stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, abducting several staff members and students in a coordinated attack that has sparked outrage across the country.
Tinubu expressed deep sadness over reports that one of the kidnapped teachers had been killed while rescue operations were ongoing.
“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community,” the President said. “I sympathise with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter. I also sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims.”
The President disclosed that the Federal Government was working closely with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to secure the safe release of all those still in captivity.
According to the statement, security operatives have launched a coordinated operation involving tactical teams and intelligence units drawn from Oyo and neighbouring Kwara State to track down the kidnappers and dismantle their network.
Tinubu commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states for what he described as their swift response to the incident, noting that the deployment of the Police Tactical Team and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) underscored the seriousness with which the government was handling the matter.
“The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon,” the President stated.
He also vowed that the perpetrators and their alleged collaborators within the affected communities would not escape justice.
“The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Tinubu declared.
The President further used the incident to renew his advocacy for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing had become necessary to effectively secure vulnerable and underserved communities across the federation.
“Cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police to man some of our underserved areas,” he said. “The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police.”
The attack in Oriire Local Government Area has heightened concerns over rising insecurity and the growing trend of school abductions in parts of the country, particularly in rural communities where security presence is limited.
Residents of Esiele community have reportedly fled their homes in fear, while parents and guardians continue to demand urgent action from authorities to secure the release of the victims.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier assured residents that the state government was collaborating with federal security agencies to ensure the abductees were rescued unharmed.
Security analysts say the incident once again highlights the urgent need for improved intelligence gathering, rural policing, and stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities in combating banditry and kidnapping across Nigeria.
As rescue operations continue, tension remains high in the affected communities, with many Nigerians hoping for the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.
