…urges swift passage of State Police law
By Ismail Azeez
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the victims abducted during last Friday’s attack on schools in the Esiele community of Oyo State, stating that a major breakthrough is expected soon.
Tinubu strongly condemned the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers, describing the act as cruel and inhumane.
Recall that bandits had invaded the Esiele community in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting staff, students, and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep sadness over the development and extended his heartfelt condolences to the affected families.
He also sympathized with Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State, promising that the federal government will work hand-in-hand with the state administration to ensure the safe return of all captives.
“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community. I sympathize with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter. I sympathize with the families of the kidnapped victims,” the President said.
The President further disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states have intervened swiftly by deploying tactical and Intelligence Response Teams (IRT) to the area.
“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 added.
The President noted that the recurring cases of kidnapping further highlight the urgent need for structural security reforms, specifically the establishment of decentralized law enforcement.
He called on the National Assembly to accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police to properly secure underserved areas across the country.