President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire LGA.
A federal government delegation announced the measures on Sunday during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities, where gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15.
The delegation conveyed Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
As part of immediate security measures, the president approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State government.
ESTABLISHMENT OF MILITARY BASE
The delegation also said requests by community leaders for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the president for consideration.
In addition, Tinubu directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.
The delegation was led by Femi Gbajabiamila and included Nuhu Ribadu, Tunji Disu, Christopher Musa, and Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the president was determined to deploy all available resources to secure the victims’ freedom.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident,” he said.
“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.”
Gbajabiamila acknowledged the anxiety of affected families and assured them that the rescue operation would be carefully coordinated.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he said.
He added that Tinubu had taken note of appeals by parents and community members urging caution in the rescue effort.
“Mr President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts,” he said.
“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 also paid a condolence visit to Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye and later met with Mrs Mary Oyedokun, wife of the teacher killed during the attack, and her two children.
Gbajabiamila conveyed the president’s condolences to the family and assured them of government support.