President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged that everyone responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State will face justice, while assuring the family of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, the teacher killed during the attack, that those behind the crime will be held accountable. The President also directed emergency support for the rescued victims as they recover from their ordeal.
President Bola Tinubu has vowed to ensure justice for the victims of the recent school abduction in Oyo State, declaring that his administration will pursue everyone involved in the attack that left one teacher dead and dozens of pupils and educators traumatised.
The President’s assurance came shortly after security agencies secured the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, ending more than seven weeks of captivity that drew nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools.
In a statement issued through the Presidency, Tinubu expressed relief over the successful rescue of the victims and commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for coordinating the operation that secured their freedom.
The President also paid tribute to Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed by the kidnappers during the ordeal, assuring his family that the government would ensure justice is served.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” the President said.
The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area in May, sparking protests by parents, teachers and civil society groups.
Their rescue marks the end of a captivity that lasted about 56 days, with security agencies confirming that the operation also disrupted the activities of the kidnappers responsible for the attack.
Beyond promising justice, President Tinubu directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with medical care, psychological support and other relief services needed for their rehabilitation.
He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for collaborating with federal security agencies throughout the rescue effort and urged authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.
While the safe return of the victims has brought relief to families and communities across Oyo State, the President’s latest pledge shifts attention to the next phase of the government’s response—ensuring those responsible are prosecuted while strengthening security measures to protect schools from future attacks.