President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directives were conveyed on Sunday by a high-powered Federal Government delegation during a visit to the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA, where dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted by gunmen on May 15.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the delegation also informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
The development comes 16 days after armed assailants attacked three schools in the communities and took pupils and teachers captive.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; 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 English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu’s decision to send the country’s top security officials to the affected communities underscored his commitment to securing the victims’ freedom.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.”
Responding to appeals from parents and community members for caution in the rescue operation, the Chief of Staff assured residents that efforts to free the victims would be carefully coordinated.
“Mr President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts,” he said.
“Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and later visited the family of the slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun.
Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences to Oyedokun’s widow, Mary, and their two children, assuring them of government support.
Onanuga said the 1,000 forest guards approved by the President would be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security across the forested communities.
The abductions occurred on May 15 when gunmen invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting pupils and teachers.
During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, while a security operative died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during an initial rescue operation.
The affected communities lie along a forest belt that security authorities say has provided cover for the abductors since the attack.
