The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has visited Oyo State following the deadly terrorist attack and abduction incident that occurred in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
During the visit, the IGP expressed deep concern over the attack and extended condolences to families who lost loved ones during the incident. He described the assault as cruel and unacceptable, assuring residents that security agencies would intensify efforts to restore peace to the affected communities.
The police chief met with Abimbola Olugbenga and other security stakeholders, where he received updates on rescue operations, intelligence gathering and security deployments across the area.
Disu assured parents, guardians and residents that the Nigeria Police Force, working alongside other security agencies, had strengthened coordinated search-and-rescue efforts aimed at securing the safe return of all abducted victims and bringing the attackers to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to the protection of schools, communities and all citizens across the country,” the IGP stated.
Amotekun launches forest search operations
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Security Network Agency said its operatives had begun coordinated search operations across forests and neighbouring communities in a bid to locate the abducted victims.
The Commandant of the corps, Olayanju Olayinka, disclosed that local hunters, vigilantes and other security agencies had joined the ongoing rescue mission.
According to him, security personnel are combing suspected hideouts and forest corridors linked to the attackers.
Police intensify manhunt
Also speaking on the development, Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that tactical and intelligence teams were immediately deployed after the incident.
He said the Commissioner of Police had ordered an extensive manhunt for those responsible while assuring residents that every available resource was being mobilised to rescue the abducted pupils.
Oyo government reacts
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Oyo State, Dotun Oyelade, said the state government was deeply concerned about the attack and was collaborating closely with security agencies to secure the release of the children.
According to him, the government remains committed to ensuring the victims are rescued safely.
Senate condemns abductions
Meanwhile, the Senate of Nigeria has condemned the abduction of students and teachers in both Oyo and Borno states within 24 hours.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the repeated kidnapping of students and teachers as a tragic national concern that threatens Nigeria’s development and education system.
He revealed that the National Assembly would prioritise pending security-related legislative reforms, including discussions around state policing, when plenary resumes in June.
According to Bamidele, lawmakers are determined to introduce stronger measures aimed at protecting schools nationwide and addressing the growing insecurity crisis affecting communities across the country.