President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialized security unit to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The measures were announced on Sunday during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in Ogbomoso zone, where pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were kidnapped 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 his commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.
According to the delegation, the recruitment of the forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of efforts to strengthen security across vulnerable communities and forest areas.
The team also disclosed that requests by community leaders and lawmakers for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
Other members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply disturbed by the abduction and had directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources 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 parents and residents that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to ensure the safe return of the abductees.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathised with the traditional ruler and the people of Ogbomoso over the incident.
The federal officials further visited the family of the late teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, who lost her life during the attack. Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences to her family and assured them of government support.
The visit comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State and renewed calls for stronger security presence in rural communities.
