By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team as part of intensified efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The measures were announced on Sunday when a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities, where armed men raided three schools on May 15 and abducted scores of pupils and teachers, triggering widespread outrage and concern across the country.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed Tinubu’s sympathy to affected families and reassured residents that the Federal Government was mobilising all available resources to ensure the safe return of the victims.
Other members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr Sunday Dare.
In what appears to be one of the most significant security interventions in the area in recent years, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen surveillance and security operations within the vast forest corridors linking parts of Oyo and neighbouring states.
The initiative is expected to be implemented in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of efforts to deny criminal elements safe havens within forest reserves frequently exploited for kidnappings and other violent crimes.
The Federal Government also disclosed that a specialised security team equipped with advanced rescue capabilities has been directed to intensify ongoing operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers.
Addressing anxious residents in both English and Yoruba languages, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply disturbed by the attack and had personally directed the nation’s top security hierarchy to take charge of the response.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” Gbajabiamila said.
“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.”
Seeking to calm fears among families of the victims, the Chief of Staff assured residents that security operations would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to prioritise the safety of those in captivity.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he added.
“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 also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration.
Beyond security engagements, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they commiserated with the traditional ruler and residents over the tragedy.
The team also visited Mrs Mary Oyedokun, wife of the school teacher who lost his life during the attack, and her two children.
Gbajabiamila delivered President Tinubu’s condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that the Federal Government would not abandon them in their time of grief.
The latest intervention underscores growing federal concern over rising attacks on schools and rural communities and signals a determined push by the Tinubu administration to tackle insecurity in vulnerable forested areas across the country.
