By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and deployed a specialised security unit to intensify efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The measures were announced on Sunday during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where pupils and teachers of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were abducted on May 15, 2026.
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 Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
Other members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
As part of immediate security interventions, the delegation announced that the President had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen surveillance and security in 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 President Tinubu for consideration and possible approval.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply troubled by the abduction and had directed all security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure 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,” he said.
He assured anxious parents and community members that rescue operations would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to ensure the victims’ safe return.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he added.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, where they commiserated with the traditional ruler and residents over the incident.
In a further show of support, the delegation visited Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of a deceased school teacher affected by the tragedy, and her two children. Gbajabiamila delivered President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family that the Federal Government would stand by them.
