Tinubu Approves Recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards for Oyo, Deploys Special Rescue Unit Over Abducted Pupils, Teachers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised security rescue unit as part of intensified efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The development was disclosed on Sunday during a visit by a high-powered federal government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; and the President’s media aide, Sunday Dare.

The visit was aimed at conveying President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassuring residents that the federal government is committed to securing the safe return of all victims.

Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply troubled by the abduction and had directed security agencies to take all necessary measures to rescue the victims.

“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.

“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.”

As part of immediate security interventions, the Presidency announced the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security presence in vulnerable rural communities.

President Tinubu also approved the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify ongoing operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Responding to appeals from community leaders for a military base in the area, Gbajabiamila assured residents that the request would be conveyed to the President for consideration.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he said, noting that rescue efforts would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated using both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.

The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, HRM Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they commiserated with the monarch and members of the community over the tragic incident.

In addition, the team visited Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of a deceased school teacher affected by the attack, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family of federal government support.

The visit comes amid growing concerns from parents, residents and community leaders over insecurity in parts of rural Oyo State, following the abductions that have heightened fears and renewed calls for stronger security measures across the region.