IBADAN, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday expressed sympathy with families of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying no parent should be forced to live through the pain and uncertainty caused by such attacks.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Tinubu said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to secure the safe return of the victims, stressing that schools must remain places of safety for children. “I share the pain and anxiety of the affected families. No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” he said.
The president announced the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to strengthen operations aimed at freeing the abducted teachers and pupils. He also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government after a federal delegation visited the affected communities of Esiele and Yawota. Tinubu added that residents’ request for the establishment of a military base in the area was receiving urgent consideration.
The victims were abducted on May 15 from schools in Ahoro‑Esiele and Yawota communities, sparking widespread concern over the safety of schools and rural communities in Oyo State. The incident has disrupted learning activities, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers directing public primary and secondary school teachers across the state to commence an indefinite strike until the captives are released.
Tinubu’s intervention comes as pressure mounts on security agencies and government authorities to secure the release of the victims and restore confidence in the safety of Nigeria’s education system. The abduction has reignited debate over how best to protect schools in vulnerable communities, with parents and teachers demanding stronger safeguards against armed groups.
