Oyo Abduction; President Tinubu approves recruitment of 1000 Forest Guards orders special security operations

Oyo Abduction; President Tinubu approves recruitment of 1000 Forest Guards orders special security operations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed the deployment of a specialised security team to strengthen efforts aimed at rescuing pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The President also indicated his willingness to consider requests from residents for the establishment of a military base in the area as part of broader measures to tackle insecurity and prevent future attacks.

The assurances were delivered on Sunday by a high-level Federal Government delegation that visited 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.

Leading the delegation, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of all those still in captivity.

According to the delegation, the newly approved forest guards will be recruited in partnership with the Oyo State Government to enhance security surveillance across forest areas often used as hideouts by criminal groups.

The delegation also assured residents that their request for a military installation in the affected communities would be presented to President Tinubu for consideration.

As part of the response to the abductions, the President has ordered a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify ongoing operations aimed at bringing the victims home safely.

The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd); and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Addressing community members in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the presence of the nation’s top security officials reflected the seriousness with which the administration was handling the incident.

“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 further sought to reassure worried parents and residents that the government understood their fears and remained focused on securing the victims’ freedom.

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

Responding to appeals for caution from members of the affected communities, Gbajabiamila stressed that rescue operations would be carefully planned and intelligence-driven.

“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.

During the visit, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathised with the traditional ruler and residents over the tragedy.

The team also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, whose husband, a school teacher, was killed during the attack. Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of the Federal Government’s support in the aftermath of the loss.