President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of intensified efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State, declaring that all operations will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated.

In a statement issued on Monday via his 𝕏 account, the President expressed deep sympathy with the victims and their families, stressing that no parent should have to endure the trauma of a kidnapped child.

Naija News reports that the abduction occurred in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen suspected to be bandits kidnapped teachers and pupils from schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15.

Tinubu stated that he has ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to ensure the safe return of the victims.

According to him, the rescue efforts will be intelligence-driven, sustained, and executed with precision until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.

“At my direction, following the visit of a high-level Federal Government delegation that I sent to the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, I have approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.

“I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

“The communities’ request for the establishment of a military base in the area is receiving urgent consideration.

“I share the pain and anxiety of the affected families. No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish.

“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 also extended condolences to the family of a deceased teacher, identified as the husband of Mrs Mary Oyedokun, assuring that the sacrifice would not be forgotten.

Meanwhile, the incident has triggered widespread concern, prompting the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to direct teachers across Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike in protest of rising insecurity.