ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialized security unit to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The directives were announced on Sunday during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were kidnapped on May 15.
The delegation conveyed the President’s concern over the incident and reassured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
As part of immediate measures, Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security in forested areas often exploited by criminal groups.
The President also directed the deployment of a specialized security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Community leaders in the affected areas requested the establishment of a military base to improve security. The delegation said the appeal would be forwarded to the President for consideration and possible approval.
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The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to send the nation’s top security officials to the affected communities demonstrated his resolve to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ freedom.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Gbajabiamila conveyed Tinubu’s message to the communities.
“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,” he said.
As part of the visit, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathised with the monarch and residents of the affected communities.
The team also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of a deceased school teacher affected by the tragedy, and her two children. Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s condolences and assured the family that the Federal Government would support them.
“You will not suffer,” the Chief of Staff assured the bereaved family.
The visit underscores the Federal Government’s renewed efforts to address insecurity in the area and secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers while exploring additional security measures for the affected communities.