By Yinka Giwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will spare no effort in securing the release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State, even as public schools across the state were shut on Monday following an indefinite strike by teachers and growing public protests over the incident.
The President said security agencies have been directed to deploy every lawful means available, including both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, to ensure the safe return of the victims kidnapped during the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
“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,” Tinubu stated in a message posted on his X handle.
The President also expressed grief over the killing of a teacher during the abduction and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the wife of the late school teacher, and her family. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and their family will not be abandoned,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the protection of schoolchildren, Tinubu stressed that no child should be exposed to the trauma of abduction.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” the President said.
His assurance comes amid growing public concern over the May 15, 2026 abduction of teachers and pupils in Esiele and Yawota communities of Ogbomoso, an incident that has heightened fears about security in rural communities and triggered widespread outrage across Oyo State.
On Monday, teachers and civil society groups staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan, the state capital, demanding the immediate rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils. The demonstrators marched through major streets carrying placards and calling on government authorities to intensify strategic rescue operations and ensure the victims’ safe return.
The protest coincided with the commencement of an indefinite strike by members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), who withdrew their services from public primary and secondary schools across the state over concerns about the safety of teachers and learners.
As part of efforts to secure the victims’ release, the Federal Government recently dispatched a high-powered delegation to the affected communities. The team 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, among other top government and security officials.
Tinubu disclosed that he has approved the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify ongoing operations.
He also announced plans, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, to recruit and deploy 1,000 forest guards to strengthen surveillance in forest corridors frequently exploited by criminal groups.
According to him, broader security measures are being implemented to support rescue efforts and prevent future attacks, while a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area is receiving urgent attention.
Meanwhile, public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were largely deserted on Monday as teachers complied with the NUT directive to commence an indefinite strike over the continued captivity of their colleagues and pupils.
In a statement signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union said the industrial action became necessary because of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the abducted victims and growing concerns over the safety of teachers and students.
The union argued that the prolonged detention of the abductees has created fear among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened tension across affected communities.
According to the NUT, the strike is intended to draw urgent government attention to the need for intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release without delay and to guarantee the safety of educators across the state.
The union urged its members to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home during the industrial action, while reaffirming its commitment to pursuing lawful engagements with government authorities until all abducted teachers and pupils regain their freedom.
It also pledged continued support for the affected families and reiterated its resolve to protect the welfare, safety, and security of teachers and learners across the country.