Tinubu Assures Families of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Vows Safe Return of Victims
President Bola Tinubu has sympathised with families affected by the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, assuring them that the Federal Government is committed to securing the safe return of all victims.
In a statement issued on Monday, the President said he shared in the pain, fear and anxiety being experienced by the affected families following the attack on communities in Esiele and Yawota, an incident that has sparked widespread concern over the safety of schools across the country.
Tinubu stressed that no child should be taken away from the safety of the classroom, describing the situation as heartbreaking.
“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 his condolences to the family of the late teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was killed during the attack. Tinubu assured the widow, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, that the sacrifice of her husband 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,” he said.
The President further assured Nigerians that ongoing rescue efforts would continue through carefully coordinated and intelligence-driven operations. According to him, security agencies are deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to ensure the victims are rescued safely.
“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,” Tinubu added.
The President’s remarks come after the Federal Government dispatched a high-level delegation to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area following the abductions that occurred on May 15, 2026.
The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, senior defence officials and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who visited the communities to assess the situation and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to ending the crisis.
