Tinubu condemns killing of abducted Oyo teacher; We’re ready to negotiate with the bandits – Makinde
By Muhyideen Jimoh, Abuja/Adewale Owoade, Ibadan
May 18, 2026
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.
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has said that the state government is ready to listen to the demands of the abductors of the pupils, students and teachers kidnapped during the attacks on the schools in order to secure the safe release of the victims.
Makinde stated this on Monday while addressing journalists at his private residence in Kolapo Ishola Estate, Ibadan.
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.
Tinubu’s condemnation of the attack 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. 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,” he assured.
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.
Makinde, while expressing willingness to engage the bandits, however, said that the state would never surrender to terrorism, assuring that all efforts were being intensified to ensure the victims returned home unharmed.
“We have now conclusively confirmed that at the Community Secondary School, seven students were abducted, while at the First Baptist Primary and Nursery School, 18 children were abducted alongside seven teachers.
“Unfortunately, as I reported yesterday, one of them was killed.”
Makinde described the situation as “fluid and difficult,” noting that security operatives were still carrying out rescue operations in the area.
“The operation is still ongoing. It remains a very fluid and difficult situation for our troops on the ground.
“I will therefore appeal for responsible reporting because this is not about sensationalism; it involves human lives,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the state government had established an operational situation room at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters to coordinate rescue efforts and provide verified information to the public.
“We have set up an operational centre at the police headquarters here. The Commissioner of Police will coordinate the situation room and provide the required information,” he added.
Speaking on security reinforcement, Makinde confirmed that the surveillance aircraft procured by the state government had arrived in Nigeria and were currently being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos.
“The manufacturers from China arrived about three days ago and will require roughly two weeks to complete the process.
“I can say conclusively that the surveillance aircraft will become operational on or before the end of June,” the governor stated.
He explained that the aircraft were procured proactively to monitor border communities between Oyo and neighbouring states, as well as the international border with the Republic of Benin.
“We were proactive because we wanted to cover the borderline between Oyo and Kwara states, as well as the international border between our state and the Republic of Benin, although we did not anticipate this particular incident,” he said.
Makinde appealed to the abductors to release the victims promptly, insisting that the government was willing to engage them to save lives.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that our children and their teachers return safely.
“These are not foreigners; they are our people.
“Whatever their demands may be, we are ready to listen and address the ones we can as a state government.
“The children and their teachers must be released without delay,” he said.
