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 pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The directive was conveyed by a high-level Federal Government delegation that visited the affected Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday. The delegation also informed residents that their request for a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
The development comes more than two weeks after armed men attacked three schools in Oriire LGA and abducted dozens of pupils and teachers, triggering widespread concern and prompting the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to declare an indefinite strike in Oyo State. The union has also announced plans for nationwide solidarity rallies to press for the victims’ rescue.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the delegation was led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President was committed to securing the safe return of the captives.
“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.
Responding to concerns from parents and community members who urged caution in the rescue operation, the Chief of Staff assured them that authorities would adopt a carefully planned strategy.
“Mr President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts.
“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 later visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, to sympathise with the traditional ruler and his subjects. Members of the team also paid a condolence visit to Mrs Mary Oyedokun, widow of slain teacher Michael Oyedokun, assuring the family of government support.
Onanuga disclosed that the recruitment of the 1,000 forest guards would be carried out in partnership with the Oyo State Government.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when gunmen invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities, taking pupils and teachers hostage.
During the attack, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded, while a motorcyclist was killed. A security operative also died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during rescue efforts.
The affected communities are located near a vast forest corridor that security authorities believe has provided cover for the kidnappers.
Speaking during the visit, Ribadu condemned the abduction and pledged decisive action.
“We share in your pains and agonies. The perpetrators of this dastardly act are evil.
“The kidnapping of a two-year-old infant is nothing but evil.
“The Federal Government will ensure that an end is brought to this inglorious act nationwide,” he said.
Defence Minister Musa reiterated the President’s commitment to improving security in the area and called on residents to cooperate with security agencies.
“Like the Chief of Staff said, President Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest rangers in Oyo. Other security requests by the people will be looked into,” Musa stated.
Earlier, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, attributed recurring abductions in the area to the expansive forest reserves being exploited by criminal groups.
“The kidnappers are taking advantage of the vast forest reserve in the area to perpetrate evil. We need a military base in Oriire.
“Also, the government must do something about the mobile network service in the area,” the monarch said.
Among those confirmed to be in captivity are a school principal and a two-year-old child.
Days after the abduction, videos surfaced showing the principal and one of the teachers appealing to President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerians for assistance, saying they were being held under difficult conditions and exposed to harsh weather.
On Saturday, Governor Makinde visited Ahoro Esiele and met with families of the victims at L.A. Basic School, urging residents to remain united and avoid assigning blame.
“Don’t cry. I have come here because of you. You installed this government. I want to let you know that this government is responsible to you.
“By the grace of God and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and the teachers.
“This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers. I feel your pain, but have trust in us,” the governor said.
Makinde disclosed that he had been holding security meetings twice daily since the incident and was working closely with security agencies to ensure the victims’ safe return. He also praised operatives of the Western Security Network, Amotekun, for their sacrifices in tackling insecurity across the state.
Relatives of the abducted victims, including Professor Wole Alamu, husband of the kidnapped school principal, and Mrs Funmilayo Ojo, whose daughter-in-law and four grandchildren remain in captivity, have continued to appeal for urgent government intervention.
Speaking on behalf of affected families, Mr Aliu Saidi urged authorities to exhaust all available options to secure the release of their loved ones.