President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers abducted from the Aholo-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The teacher was reportedly beheaded in a video released by suspected bandits on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
The abduction occurred last Friday when armed men invaded the community and kidnapped pupils, students, and staff from four schools, including Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 18, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the incident as barbaric and expressed deep sympathy for the affected families and the state government. He assured that security operatives are working tirelessly to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators and their collaborators.
President Tinubu's Statement
According to the statement, President 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."
The President further noted that the federal government is collaborating with the Oyo State government to ensure the safe rescue of all victims. He commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their swift intervention and the deployment of a tactical team and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to rescue the victims.
Tech-Driven Rescue Operation
President Tinubu disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, following his instructions, is personally leading a technology-driven operation. He expressed optimism for a breakthrough soon, stating: "The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law."
The President also used the occasion to reiterate the need for the establishment of state police to address security challenges in underserved areas. He called on the National Assembly to accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police.
The federal government has assured the people of Oyo State that all necessary resources are being deployed to rescue the kidnapped victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
