President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed the deployment of a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The measures were announced during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday, May 31, following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15.
The delegation conveyed President Tinubu’s deep concern over the incident and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.
As part of immediate security measures, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security across vulnerable areas of the state.
The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be presented to the President for consideration.
Leading the delegation, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the President’s decision to send the nation’s top security leadership to the affected communities underscored his determination to deploy every available resource toward securing the release of the victims.
“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely. He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective,” Gbajabiamila said.
He assured residents that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa; the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
The team also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the monarch and residents over the incident.
In addition, the delegation met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of the deceased teacher killed during the attack, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences and assured the family of government support.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reassure affected communities and strengthen security measures aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
