President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and the deployment of a specialised rescue team following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive was announced during a visit by a Federal Government delegation to the affected Esiele and Yawota communities, where students and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were abducted on May 15, 2026.
According to a statement by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the recruitment of the forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of immediate measures to strengthen security and improve surveillance in vulnerable areas.
President Tinubu also ordered a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The Federal Government delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and other senior officials.
Addressing community leaders and families of the victims, Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s deep concern over the incident and assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to ensure the safe return of the abductees.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
The delegation also promised to forward requests for the establishment of a military base in the area to the President for consideration as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity in the region.
The visit included meetings with community leaders, affected families, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, as the government intensified efforts to reassure residents and strengthen ongoing rescue operations.
