By Dennis Okechukwu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and deployed a specialized security unit to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from 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 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.
As part of immediate security interventions, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen surveillance and security operations in vulnerable areas.
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 and possible approval.
In addition, President Tinubu directed a specialized security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Other members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Tunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General 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 the President’s decision to send the nation’s top security officials to the affected communities demonstrated his resolve to deploy every available resource 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 worried parents and community members that the rescue operation would be carefully coordinated to ensure the safety of the abductees.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” Gbajabiamila stated.
He added that the President had taken note of appeals from some parents urging caution in rescue efforts, stressing that security agencies would adopt intelligence-driven strategies and deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic measures in their operations.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Royal Majesty Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathized with the traditional ruler and residents over the tragedy.
In a further show of support, the delegation met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of the deceased school teacher who lost his life during the attack, and her two children. Gbajabiamila delivered President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family that the Federal Government would provide support and ensure they do not suffer hardship as a result of their loss.
The visit underscores the Federal Government’s determination to tackle insecurity in the area and secure the release of all abducted pupils and teachers while strengthening long-term security measures across affected communities.