Tinubu Vows Rescue As Oyo Teacher Is Beheaded, Abducted Students Remain In Captivity
By Ranti Thomas
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the killing of a teacher abducted during the recent attack on schools in Oyo State and has again assured that security agencies are working to rescue all remaining victims still held by the attackers.
The incident followed a violent invasion of three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where gunmen abducted students and teachers, while also killing one of the victims identified as a teacher whose death later sparked nationwide outrage.
Tinubu described the killing as “barbaric and unacceptable,” expressing sympathy to the families affected and to the Oyo State Government, while directing security agencies to intensify ongoing rescue operations.
According to earlier updates from authorities, dozens of pupils and teachers were taken away during the attack, with security forces deployed across forested areas believed to be used as escape routes by the kidnappers.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling rising insecurity, especially attacks targeting schools, rural communities and worship centres in different parts of the country.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has also confirmed that security operatives, including the police and intelligence units, are working to locate the victims and bring them back safely, although details of the operations remain undisclosed.
The attack has added to growing concerns over the safety of schools in Nigeria, as several recent incidents involving mass abductions have forced authorities to close schools in some areas while increasing military and police presence in vulnerable communities.
Families of the abducted victims have continued to appeal for urgent government intervention, demanding faster action and stronger protection for schools in rural parts of the state.
Security experts say the attackers often use dense forest corridors to move victims across state boundaries, making rescue efforts more difficult and prolonging negotiations and search operations.
The Federal Government has repeatedly insisted that it will not negotiate with terrorists, while also pledging to pursue both military operations and intelligence-led rescue missions to secure the release of all captives.
As the search continues, attention remains focused on whether the latest security deployments will lead to breakthroughs and the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.