President Bola Tinubu on Thursday assured residents of Oyo State that schoolchildren and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on three primary schools in Oriire Local Government Area would be rescued safely, saying the Federal Government was deploying all available resources to secure their release.
Speaking at the inauguration of the remodeled Premier Hotel in Ibadan, Tinubu said his administration was intensifying efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.
“I reassure the good people of Oyo State and indeed the South-West that the Federal Government is seriously addressing the upswing in banditry, kidnapping and associated criminalities across the nation,” the president said.
The victims were abducted on May 15 during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to support security agencies through intelligence sharing and community collaboration, adding that traditional and religious leaders also have critical roles to play in tackling insecurity.
He said the government had strengthened inter-agency coordination, improved intelligence gathering, expanded technological surveillance, enhanced community-based security initiatives and increased support for the armed forces and other security agencies.
According to the president, legislation before the National Assembly aimed at strengthening policing across the country would further improve national security.
Tinubu said improved security remained central to his administration’s economic agenda, noting that peace and stability were necessary for investment and sustainable growth.
He said ongoing economic reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing increased investor confidence, rising strategic investments and stronger foreign reserves.
The president made the remarks while inaugurating the newly redeveloped Premier Hotel, describing the project as the restoration of a national landmark and a symbol of confidence in Nigeria’s economic future.
He praised the visionary leaders of the former Western Region for establishing enduring institutions and urged South-West governors to preserve and build on that developmental legacy.
Tinubu also encouraged local and foreign investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria, assuring them that his administration remained committed to creating a business-friendly environment.
Highlighting tourism as a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the president said the government was investing in transportation infrastructure, digital services and public-private partnerships to position Nigeria as a destination for business, leisure, culture and global events.
He added that the newly established South West Development Commission would work with state governments, the Odu’a Group and private investors to accelerate infrastructure development, tourism and regional economic growth.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Misbau Babatunde, described the reopening of Premier Hotel as a milestone in restoring one of Nigeria’s most iconic hospitality landmarks.
Earlier, Odu’a Investment Company Chairman Bimbo Ashiru said the hotel was conceived as the flagship hospitality asset of the former Western Region and had long served as a symbol of luxury, excellence and regional pride.
