Tinubu: IGP Disu leading efforts to rescue abducted Oyo teachers, students

By Ayorinde Oluokun

…CAN declares Wednesday day of prayer, fasting

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu is personally leading the tech-driven operation based on his directive to rescue staff, students, and pupils abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday

An assistant head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were also killed by the gunmen.

While reacting to the incident, the President said assured that security operatives are working around the clock to rescue the abducted students, pupils and teachers in a statement signed by his special adviser on media and strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Monday.

While condemning mass abduction, Tinubu assured that a breakthrough in the rescue of the abductees would be recorded soon.

“The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law”

The President also condemned as barbaric the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers: “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.

President Tinubu sympathized with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government, and the people of Oyo State for the unfortunate incident and assured them that the federal government will collaborate with the state government to rescue the 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.

Tinubu also used the opportunity to call on the National Assembly to accelerate the law on the establishment of state police to tackle incidents of kidnapping across the country.

“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.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, has declared Wednesday, May 20, a day of prayer and fasting for the abducted vice principal, teachers and students.

The association said this in a statement by its Chairman Rev. Elisha Ogundiya in Ibadan on Monday.

Oyo CAN also said it was deeply saddened and disturbed by the attack on Friday, when armed assailants stormed Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities.

“We condemn this act in the strongest terms. Schools must remain safe spaces for learning, not hunting grounds for criminals.

“The trauma inflicted on these children, their teachers, and their families is immeasurable,” the association stated

CAN urged the governments to ensure immediate release of all 46 persons abducted.

It urged the government to increase security in vulnerable rural areas, investigate and prosecute the perpetrators, and implement school safety protocols.

The association also urged citizens to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide information to aid rescue operations.

It directed all churches in state to observe prayer and fasting on Wednesday, and for the fast to break at 6:00p.m.

“Prayer points include the release of those abducted, divine protection for the state, and repentance for the perpetrators, citing 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Ephesians 6:10.

“We continue to pray for the safe return of these abductees and for the exposure and defeat of those behind this evil act,” the statement said.