By Taibat Ummi Yakubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised security team to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso area of the state.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over the fate of pupils and teachers kidnapped on May 15, 2026, from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
A high-powered Federal Government delegation on Sunday visited the affected communities to convey President Tinubu’s concern and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
As part of immediate measures to strengthen security in the area, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government. The initiative is aimed at improving surveillance and enhancing security response capabilities in vulnerable communities.
The delegation also disclosed that a request by community leaders and lawmakers for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
In addition, Tinubu directed the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to bolster ongoing operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply disturbed by the incident and had instructed the nation’s security agencies to deploy all available resources towards the safe rescue of the victims.
“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 the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to ensure the victims’ safe return.
As part of the visit, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathised with the monarch and residents over the abduction.
The team also visited the family of the late school teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun. During the visit, Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the bereaved family of government support.
