President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the kidnapping incident in the Esiele community in Oyo State has further underscored the urgency of establishing state police to secure underserved areas across the country.
The President stated this on Monday in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, while condemning as barbaric the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers from the Esiele community in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as rescue operations continue for the remaining victims.
President Tinubu said cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police and urged the National Assembly to accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police.
“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,” the President said.
President Tinubu, who sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State over the incident, assured that the Federal Government was working closely with the state government to rescue all the kidnapped victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“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 on the matter. I sympathise with the families of the kidnapped victims.
“The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims. I commend the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their quick intervention and the deployment of a tactical and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) team to rescue the victims.”
The Nigerian leader further commended the Inspector-General of Police, as well as the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States, for their swift intervention and deployment of tactical operatives and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to intensify rescue efforts and restore security in the affected communities.
“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,” the President added.
Bandits invaded the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday. They abducted staff, students, and pupils of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
Security operatives are working around the clock to rescue the victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators within the community.
