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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly reassured Nigerians, particularly residents of Oyo State and the South-West, that the Federal Government is deploying every available resource to secure the safe and unharmed return of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a firm commitment to the affected families and communities, President Tinubu vowed that no stone would be left unturned to bring the victims home. “We will bring them back,” the President assured, directing security and intelligence agencies to intensify coordinated operations using all necessary lawful means, including advanced rescue capabilities and international collaboration where required.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men launched coordinated attacks on three schools in the Oriire area: Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele (Ahoro-Esinele), and L.A. Primary School. The attackers took away dozens of pupils (including very young children) and seven teachers. Tragically, at least one teacher was killed during or after the incident.
A high-level presidential delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other top officials, visited the affected communities to console families and convey the President’s message that the victims have not been abandoned. Additional measures announced include the approval for recruiting 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and the deployment of specialised rescue teams.
President Tinubu condemned the attack in the strongest terms and described the killing of any victim as barbaric. He emphasised that the safe return of every child and teacher remains a top national priority, with ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at rescuing all remaining abductees without harm.
The Federal Government continues to work closely with the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders to strengthen security in the region and prevent future incidents. Parents and residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts reach a critical stage.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s unwavering resolve to tackle insecurity across the country and protect the lives and future of Nigerian children.