President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sympathy to families affected by the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, assuring Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to secure the victims’ release.

In a statement issued on Monday, the President said no child should be taken from the safety of a classroom, describing the incident in the Esiele and Yawota communities as deeply troubling.

“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” Tinubu stated.

The President also condoled with the family of the late teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded during the attack. He assured the family that the sacrifice of the deceased 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,” he said.

Tinubu explained that security agencies were continuing rescue operations using both intelligence-driven and coordinated strategies aimed at safely returning the abducted pupils and teachers.

“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,” the President added.

The President disclosed that he had directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to strengthen ongoing operations in the affected communities.

He also revealed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, had commenced the mobilisation of 1,000 forest guards to improve surveillance and security around forest corridors often used by armed groups.

According to Tinubu, a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area is also receiving urgent attention.

The President’s remarks followed the visit of a Federal Government delegation to the affected communities after the May 15, 2026, abduction incident involving pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The attack in Esiele and Yawota has continued to raise concerns over insecurity in rural communities and the safety of schools across the country.