President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to rescue the 42 students abducted from a school in Oriire, Oyo state noting “No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish.”
The President, while commiserating with the family of a teacher killed during the attack, Michael Oyedokun assured that rescue operations would continue in a coordinated and intelligence-driven manner, with the government deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the release of abducted victims.
“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,” he said.
“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 continued
The Federal Government had earlier sent a high-level Federal Government delegation to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area after the abductions, which occurred on May 15, 2026.
The delegation included senior government and security officials such as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others.
Tinubu further reinforced previously announced security measures in the area, including the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities and the mobilisation of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen surveillance in forest corridors used by armed groups.
The abduction in Esiele and Yawota communities has heightened concerns over school safety and rural insecurity, with authorities maintaining that ongoing operations are aimed at securing the safe return of victims and strengthening security in vulnerable areas.
