By MUHYIDEEN JIMOH

President Bola Tinubu has condemned as “barbaric” the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers from Esiele community in Oyo State, while rescue operations continue.

Bandits invaded the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday and abducted some staff, students and pupils from three schools within the area.

The affected schools are Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, according to official reports from security authorities and the Oyo State Government.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday in Abuja.

Tinubu said that security operatives were currently working round the clock to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators operating within the affected communities.

He sympathised with Gov. Seyi Makinde, the government and people of Oyo State over the incident and assured them of the Federal Government’s support in ongoing rescue efforts.

“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.

“I sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims. The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims,” the president said.

Tinubu also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states for their swift intervention following the attack.

The president disclosed that the IGP was personally leading what he described as a technology-driven operation aimed at rescuing the victims and tracking the criminals.

“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.”

Tinubu further stated that recurring kidnapping incidents across parts of the country had strengthened the case for the establishment of state police structures nationwide.

“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,” he said. (NAN)

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