Tinubu recruits 1000 forest guards after Oyo school abduction
…deploys special squad after abductors
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialized security squad to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The decisive measures were announced during the Federal Government delegation visit to Esiele and Yawota communities, where kidnappers abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Sunday during a visit, conveyed President Tinubu’s deep concern over the incident and reassured anxious families and residents that every available resource was being mobilized to secure the victims’ release.
Addressing parents of the abducted schoolchildren, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the President had directed the nation’s top security chiefs to personally oversee rescue operations and strengthen security across vulnerable communities.
“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” Gbajabiamila declared while addressing residents in both English and Yoruba.
He added that the President had approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to improve surveillance and security across forests and rural communities often exploited by criminal gangs.
Others on the entourage included the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Gbajabiamila assured residents that security operations would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to avoid putting the lives of the abducted pupils and teachers at risk.
“Mr. President also saw the appeals from 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.
The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to President Tinubu for consideration and possible approval.
Residents welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention, expressing hope that the strengthened security measures would curb recurring attacks by criminal elements operating within the region.
In a further show of solidarity, the delegation visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Royal Majesty Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the monarch and the people of the area over the tragic incident.
The delegation also met with the family of the late teacher, Mary Oyedokun, who lost her life during the attack. Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to her widow and two children, assuring them that the Federal Government would stand by the family.
“The family will not suffer. The President shares your grief and remains committed to supporting you during this difficult time,” Gbajabiamila said.
The abduction has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures in rural communities and schools across the country.