‘No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom’ – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has vowed to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, declaring that “no child should be taken from the safety of a classroom” following the mass kidnapping that has shocked the nation.

In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, the President said he had ordered intensified rescue efforts and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest rangers to strengthen security operations in affected areas.

“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,” Tinubu stated.

The President disclosed that he had directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to support ongoing operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

“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,” he added.

Western Post reported that Tinubu sent a delegation led by his chief of staff Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to the affected communities on Sunday.

The intervention follows the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed kidnappers abducted dozens of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. Reports indicate that about 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken during the attack.