President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue unit to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Key Highlights:
- The federal government is responding to school kidnappings in Oyo State.
- President Bola Tinubu approved 1,000 forest guards to improve rural security.
- A special rescue unit has been deployed to help free abducted pupils and teachers in Ogbomoso.
- A high-level delegation led by Femi Gbajabiamila visited affected communities.
- Security agencies are coordinating ongoing intelligence-led rescue operations.
The measures were announced during a visit by a high-powered federal government delegation to affected communities in Ogbomoso on Sunday, following the May 15 kidnapping of students and staff from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The delegation, led by Femi Gbajabiamila, included Nuhu Ribadu, Kayode Egbetokun, Christopher Musa and presidential aide, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents of Esiele and Yawota communities, Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured families that every effort was being made to rescue the victims safely.
“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
According to the Presidency, the newly approved forest guards will be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State
government to strengthen security across vulnerable rural communities and forest corridors often exploited by criminal elements.
The president also directed the deployment of a specialised security team equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to support ongoing operations aimed at locating and freeing the abducted victims.
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During the visit, community leaders appealed for the establishment of a military base in the area to improve security.
Gbajabiamila assured residents that the request would be conveyed to the president for consideration.
He noted that rescue efforts would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to ensure the safe return of the abductees.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Ghandi, Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathised with the community over the incident.
In addition, the team visited Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of a teacher who lost his life during the attack, and assured her family of government support.
The federal government’s intervention comes amid growing anxiety among parents and residents following the school abductions, which have heightened security concerns across parts of rural Oyo State.
