President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State, in collaboration with the state government, as part of immediate measures to strengthen security following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in parts of the state.
The President’s Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Sunday, assured that the people’s request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and approval.
Gbajabiamila, who visited the area in the company of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd.); and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, said that President Tinubu had directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He expressed the President’s deep concern to the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers of schools in the areas.
The Chief of Staff expressed the President’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims, who were abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on 15 May 2026.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said that the President Tinubu’s decision to dispatch the nation’s top security leadership to the affected communities reflected his determination to deploy every available resource towards securing the victims’ release.
He said: ‘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.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.
‘Mr. President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts. 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’.
The delegation was also at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, His Royal Majesty Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and his people.
The delegation also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of the school teacher, who was a victim of the attack, and her two children.
Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s condolences with a promise that the family would not suffer.
