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 to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The announcement was made on Sunday during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured residents of the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
According to the delegation, the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of measures to strengthen security across vulnerable communities.
The team also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
Speaking to residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply troubled by the abduction and had directed the nation’s security agencies to deploy all available resources toward rescuing 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,” he said.
He assured parents and community members that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to ensure the safe return of those abducted.
The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
As part of the visit, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathized with the monarch and residents over the incident.
The officials also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of a deceased school teacher affected by the tragedy, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences and assured the family of the Federal Government’s support.
The visit forms part of ongoing federal efforts to address insecurity and secure the release of all abducted persons in the affected communities.
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