Amid mounting tension over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured anxious parents and residents of Yawota and Erin-Ele communities that security agencies are closing in on suspected kidnappers who abducted pupils and staff members from two government schools in the area.
Disu gave the assurance on Saturday during a high-level operational visit to the affected communities in Orire Local Government Area of the state following the disturbing incident, which has thrown parents, residents, and school authorities into fear and uncertainty.
The abduction reportedly occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday and involved pupils and staff members of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School/L.A Primary School, Esiele.
The incident immediately triggered coordinated rescue and tracking operations by the Oyo State Police Command, with tactical teams combing nearby forests where the kidnappers were believed to have fled with their victims.
During the visit, Disu assessed the security situation firsthand and addressed worried residents who gathered in large numbers to express fears over the safety of the abducted pupils and staff.
Speaking during the engagement, the IGP assured the communities that security operatives were working relentlessly to secure the safe rescue of all abductees.
“I assure you that we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the safe return of everyone abducted. While I cannot disclose all our operational strategies, I appeal to you to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and continue to pray for the success of ongoing operations. By the special grace of God, we will succeed,” Disu said.
The police boss disclosed that significant progress had already been made in the rescue efforts, expressing optimism that positive news regarding the victims’ safe return would soon emerge.
“We have made substantial progress in the ongoing operations, and I am confident that we will soon have positive developments regarding the safe release of the victims,” he added.
Disu also reassured residents that adequate security deployments had been put in place across the affected communities to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property.
He urged residents not to panic or abandon their daily activities, noting that security agencies remained fully committed to restoring confidence and safety in the area.
“There is no cause for panic. We have reinforced security deployments in these communities, and our officers are fully on ground to ensure the protection of lives and property. I encourage residents to remain law-abiding and continue with their normal activities without fear,” he stated.
The Inspector-General further commended officers and tactical teams involved in the ongoing rescue mission for their dedication and resilience, assuring residents that the Nigeria Police Force, alongside other security agencies, would not relent until all victims were safely rescued and the perpetrators brought to justice.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over attacks on schools and rural communities, with residents calling for sustained security presence and stronger surveillance around educational institutions in vulnerable areas of the state.
