President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured families of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to secure their safe release, declaring that no child should ever be taken from the safety of a classroom.
In a statement issued on Monday, the President expressed sympathy with families affected by the abduction of students and teachers from the Esiele and Yawota communities, describing the incident as a painful tragedy that has shaken the nation.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” Tinubu said, while extending condolences to families affected by the attack.
The President also paid tribute to the late teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, who lost her life during the incident, describing her death as a sacrifice that would not be forgotten.
“I 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,” he stated.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that security agencies were carrying out coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims, stressing that authorities would employ every lawful means available to secure their freedom.
According to him, the rescue mission will be intelligence-driven and sustained, combining both military and non-military approaches to ensure the safe return of the pupils and teachers.
The President’s remarks come weeks after the abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, and has sparked widespread concern over the safety of schools and communities in Oyo State.
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As part of efforts to tackle the crisis, Tinubu revealed that the Federal Government has reinforced security measures in the affected area, including the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities.
He also disclosed that 1,000 forest guards would be mobilised in partnership with the Oyo State Government to strengthen surveillance across forest corridors believed to be used by criminal groups.
The President noted that a proposal for the establishment of a military base in the area is receiving urgent attention as part of broader efforts to improve security and prevent future attacks.
Earlier, a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the affected communities. The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The abduction has continued to generate national outrage, with parents, labour unions, civil society groups and political leaders calling for urgent action to secure the victims’ release and improve security around schools and rural communities across the country.