President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive was announced during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where gunmen kidnapped pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15.
The delegation, led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured residents of the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
According to the delegation, the President approved the recruitment of the forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of measures to strengthen security in the area.
Tinubu also directed a specialised rescue team with advanced operational capabilities to support ongoing efforts aimed at freeing the abducted pupils and teachers.
Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply troubled by the abduction and had ordered the deployment of all necessary resources to ensure the victims' safe return.
“Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said, assuring the communities that the rescue operation would be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated.
The delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun's representative, IGP Tunji Disu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, and Presidential Media Adviser Sunday Dare.
Community leaders had also requested the establishment of a military base in the area. The delegation said the request would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
The officials later visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and met with the family of a teacher who died during the incident, conveying the President’s condolences and assuring them of government support.
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