President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The approval was announced during a visit by a 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, 2026.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured residents that efforts were being intensified to secure the victims’ release.
According to the delegation, the President has also directed a specialized rescue team with advanced operational capabilities to strengthen ongoing efforts to bring the abducted pupils and teachers home safely.
Community leaders used the opportunity to request the establishment of a military base in the area to improve security. The Federal Government delegation said the request would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
Addressing worried residents, Gbajabiamila said the President was personally disturbed by the incident and had ordered security agencies to deploy all available resources to resolve the situation.
“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
He added that the government understood the fears and concerns of affected families, assuring them that rescue operations would be carefully executed.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” Gbajabiamila stated.
Responding to appeals from some parents for caution during rescue operations, he stressed that security agencies would rely on intelligence-driven strategies.
“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.
Members of the delegation included National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa, Minister of Power Dr. Joseph Tegbe, and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomoso, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and met with the family of the late teacher who lost her life during the attack. Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences and assured the family of government support.