President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of one of the abducted teachers from Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while assuring that ongoing security operations will secure the release of all remaining victims.

According to a State House press release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), the President described the incident as “barbaric” and expressed sympathy to affected families and the state government.

The Monday statement was issued from the State House, Abuja, and signed by Bayo Onanuga on May 18, 2026.

The statement said: “President Bola Tinubu has condemned as barbaric the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers from the Esiele community in Oyo State, while the rescue operation is underway.”

It added that armed men had invaded schools in the community.

“Bandits invaded the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday.

“They abducted staff, students, and pupils of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School and L.A. Primary School,” it read.

The Presidency confirmed that security agencies have been deployed to track the perpetrators and rescue the victims.

It added, “Security operatives are working around the clock to rescue the victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators within the community.”

Tinubu also expressed sympathy to the state leadership and families affected.

He emphasized federal-state coordination in the rescue effort.

“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 Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims. I commend the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their quick intervention and the deployment of a tactical and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) team to rescue the victims,” Tinubu stated.

The President further stated that he is closely monitoring the operation.

He assured, “The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon. The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

He also linked the incident to broader security reforms, calling for legislative action.

“Cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police to man some of our underserved areas.

“The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police,” Tinubu concluded.