ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has condemned the reported killing of one of the teachers abducted during an attack on schools in Esiele community, Oyo State, assuring that security agencies are working to rescue the remaining victims.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed this in a State House statement issued on May 18, 2026.
Bandits had invaded the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, on Friday, abducting staff, students, and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
Okay News reports that security operatives have continued rescue efforts while searching for the attackers and alleged collaborators within the community.
President Tinubu sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government, and residents of Oyo State over the incident.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu said the Federal Government of Nigeria is working with the Oyo State Government to secure the release of all abducted 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 Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their quick intervention and the deployment of a tactical and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) team to rescue the victims,” he said.
The President added that the Inspector-General of Police is personally supervising the operation following his directive.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President also renewed his call for the establishment of state police, saying recurring kidnapping incidents highlight the need for decentralised policing structures.
“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 added.
