President Bola Tinubu has expressed sympathy with families affected by the recent attack on communities in Esiele and Yawota, where more than 46 pupils and their teachers were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has heightened concerns over school security across the country.
In a statement shared on his X account on June 1, the President said he shares in the pain and anxiety of the affected families and assured them that the Federal Government remains committed to securing the safe return of the victims.
Tinubu also extended his condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, whose husband, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by bandits during the attack in Oyo State.
“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,” the President said.
He assured Nigerians that rescue operations would continue in a coordinated and intelligence-driven manner, with security agencies deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the release of those abducted.
“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 stated.
The President’s remarks come days after a high-level Federal Government delegation visited the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area following the abductions, which occurred on May 15, 2026.
The delegation comprised top government and security officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others.
The visit formed part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to assess the situation, reassure affected communities, and coordinate measures aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
