Tinubu Condemns Killing of Abducted Oyo Teacher as Rescue Operation Continues

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of a teacher who was abducted from Aholo–Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to reports, suspected bandits attacked the community last Friday and kidnapped pupils, students, and staff from four schools. The teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later reportedly beheaded, as shown in a video allegedly released by the attackers on Sunday, May 17.

In a statement released on Monday, May 18, 2026 by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the incident as “barbaric.” He expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and to Governor Seyi Makinde, while stating that security operatives are working around the clock to rescue the remaining captives and arrest the bandits and their collaborators.

The statement also said the Federal Government will collaborate with the Oyo State government to ensure the victims are brought back safely, and commended the Inspector-General of Police and police commissioners in Oyo and Kwara for deploying a tactical and Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Tinubu added that the situation further underscores the need for state police, urging the National Assembly to speed up the law establishing them.