President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity and rescue pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.
The President also directed a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims, who were kidnapped during attacks on three schools in the area.
The presidential directives were conveyed on Sunday by a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA.
Other members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply concerned about the plight of the abducted pupils and teachers and had ordered all security agencies to deploy every available resource to ensure their safe return.
“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 assured residents that rescue operations would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to avoid endangering the lives of the captives.
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.
During separate visits, the team met with the family of slain teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed during the attack, and conveyed the President’s condolences while promising support for the bereaved family.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu described the kidnappers as “evil” and vowed that the Federal Government would not relent until the victims were rescued.
“We share in your pain and agony. The kidnapping of innocent children, including a two-year-old infant, is unacceptable. The Federal Government will ensure that this menace is brought to an end,” Ribadu said.
Defence Chief General Christopher Musa confirmed the approval of the 1,000 forest guards, stating that the initiative would be implemented in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to improve security across vulnerable communities.
The abductions occurred on May 15 when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage after videos emerged showing some of the captives pleading for help from President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, and other authorities.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike across Oyo State beginning Monday, June 1, over the continued captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers.
In a directive signed by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Clinton Ikpitibo, the union ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services until the victims are safely released.
Read Also:
Oyo Kidnap Carried Out by Displaced Terrorists, DHQ Clarifies
The union also announced nationwide solidarity rallies scheduled for June 2 to demand improved security in schools and the immediate rescue of the abductees.
“As a mark of solidarity, all state chapters of the union will organise peaceful rallies to demand the unconditional release of the kidnapped teachers and learners,” the statement said.
NUT expressed concern over what it described as the horrifying conditions under which the victims were being held and insisted that the safety of teachers and pupils must become a national priority.
However, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State chapter, distanced itself from the planned protest, stating that security concerns should be addressed through dialogue and collaboration rather than demonstrations.
The growing crisis has also attracted reactions from civil society groups, religious leaders, and community stakeholders, all of whom have called for urgent action to secure the release of the abducted children and teachers and strengthen security around schools across the country.
