Tinubu Calls Oyo Teacher’s Death ‘Barbaric’, Orders IGP to Personally Lead Rescue Operation

Tinubu calls teacher’s death ‘barbaric’

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of one of the teachers abducted in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling the act “barbaric” and ordering the Inspector-General of Police to personally lead the rescue operation.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said: “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.”

He added that the Federal Government is working with Oyo State and security agencies to secure the release of everyone still in captivity, and promised that “the bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

IGP personally leading the operation

The most notable development is the direct deployment of Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to the scene. Tinubu confirmed it himself: “The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon.”

Governor Makinde confirmed the full scope of the abduction in an update: 18 secondary school pupils, seven primary school pupils, and seven teachers were taken from three schools in Esiele — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. The attack happened last Friday.

The IGP also visited the affected communities in Oriire, deploying tactical and Intelligence Response Team units alongside officers from both Oyo and Kwara States, according to The Nation.

Makinde: ‘We won’t succumb to terror’

Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde drew a firm line, saying his government would not give in to intimidation — while also indicating he was open to communication. “We won’t succumb to terror, but we are ready to listen to their demands,” he said, according to The Nation.

Northern senators have been among the loudest voices in the National Assembly, warning that the Oyo case must not “become another Chibok.” The pressure appears to be working — Tinubu used the moment to again push for state police legislation, saying the kidnapping spate had “further highlighted the need for decentralisation of policing.”

The Senate is currently deliberating on a state police bill. With children still in captivity and a presidential directive now in play, the next few days will determine whether the government’s response is enough.

Sources: The Nation, ThisDay, Sahara Reporters, Premium Times