President Tinubu Deploys 1,000 Forest Guards To Oyo After School Abduction

The Federal Government on Sunday stepped up efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, announcing the approval of 1,000 forest guards for the state and the deployment of a specialised rescue team to intensify search operations.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, on Sunday.

The measures were unveiled during a visit by a high-level 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.

The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured residents that the government was committed to ensuring the safe return of all victims.

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 President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President had directed the nation’s top security officials to personally assess the situation and coordinate efforts to secure the victims’ release.

“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 added that the President understood the anguish of affected families and remained determined to bring the abductees home safely.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” Gbajabiamila stated.

As part of immediate security interventions, the delegation announced that Tinubu had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government to strengthen surveillance and security across vulnerable areas.

The team also informed community leaders and lawmakers that requests for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.

Gbajabiamila further disclosed that the President had ordered a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Responding to concerns raised by parents and residents over the conduct of rescue operations, he assured them that security agencies would adopt a carefully coordinated approach.

“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,” he said.

The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathised with traditional authorities and residents over the incident.

In addition, the officials visited the family of the deceased school teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, where Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family of government support.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to address insecurity in the area and reassure affected communities that all available resources are being deployed to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.