Presidential delegation in Oyo over abduction of pupils, teachers
A high-level presidential delegation has arrived in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, following the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The delegation, led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, includes the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
The team is expected to visit the affected communities where armed men reportedly invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School and other locations, abducting about 46 pupils and teachers in a coordinated attack.
The visit comes amid growing concern over the fate of the victims and renewed fears about insecurity in parts of Oyo state.
In a statement on Sunday, presidential spokesman Sunday Dare said President Bola Tinubu had activated a coordinated response to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
According to him, security agencies have been directed to intensify rescue operations and ensure that those responsible for the attack are apprehended and prosecuted.
“The President has directed all relevant security agencies to deploy every necessary resource to secure the release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Dare stated.
The arrival of the delegation has raised hopes among residents and families of the abducted victims, many of whom have continued to appeal for urgent intervention from both federal and state authorities.
While security agencies have yet to provide an official update on the whereabouts of the victims, rescue operations are said to be ongoing.
The abduction has sparked fresh concerns over the safety of schools in rural communities, with stakeholders calling for stronger security measures to protect pupils, teachers and educational institutions across the country.