President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound grief and solidarity with families affected by the recent attack on communities in Esiele and Yawota, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where over 46 pupils and their teachers were abducted. The incident has sparked widespread concern over school security across Nigeria.
In a statement released on his X handle on June 1, 2026, the President also commiserated with the family of Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, a teacher who was killed during the attack. Mrs. Oyedokun was beheaded by bandits, and her husband, Michael Oyedokun, has been left to mourn her loss. Tinubu described her as a victim whose sacrifice would not be forgotten.
“I also extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, and her family will not be abandoned,” Tinubu said.
The President assured that rescue operations would continue in a coordinated and intelligence-driven manner. He emphasized that the government would deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.
“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” he stated.
The President’s statement follows a high-level Federal Government delegation that was sent to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area after the abductions, which occurred on May 15, 2026. The delegation included senior government and security officials such as the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others.
The attack has reignited debates about the safety of schools in Nigeria, with many calling for enhanced security measures to protect students and teachers. The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
