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 to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The development was announced 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, 2026.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed President Tinubu’s deep 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 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 measures to strengthen security in the affected communities, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.
The delegation 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.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply troubled by the abduction and had directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources 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,” he said.
He assured parents and community members that rescue efforts would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to ensure the victims’ safe return.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland,Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathized with the traditional ruler and the people of Ogbomosoland over the incident.
In a further show of support, the delegation visited Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of a deceased teacher affected by the tragedy, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family of government support.
The visit underscored the Federal Government’s renewed determination to tackle insecurity in vulnerable communities and secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
