By Duchess Ifeoluwa 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue pupils, students and teachers abducted by gunmen in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The President also condemned the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable.

Gunmen had invaded the Esiele community last Friday and abducted staff and pupils of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, as well as L.A. Primary School.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said security operatives were working round the clock to secure the release of the victims and apprehend those behind the attack.

President Tinubu sympathised with Seyi Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State over the incident.

“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community. I sympathise with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter. I sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims,” the President said.

He stated that the Federal Government was collaborating with the Oyo State Government to ensure the safe rescue of all the victims.

The President also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states for what he described as their swift intervention and deployment of tactical and Intelligence Response Team personnel for the rescue mission.

According to him, the Inspector-General of Police is personally leading a technology-driven operation aimed at rescuing the victims and tracking down the kidnappers.

“The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.

President Tinubu further said the increasing cases of kidnapping across the country underscored the need for the establishment of state police.

He urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the enactment of the legal framework for state policing in order to strengthen security in underserved communities across the country.