Oyo Abduction: Tinubu Deploys Special Rescue Team, Approves 1,000 Forest Guards
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed the deployment of a specialised security team to intensify rescue efforts following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Ogbomoso area of the state.
The development came as a high-powered Federal Government delegation on Sunday visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where pupils and teachers of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were abducted on May 15, 2026.
The delegation conveyed President Tinubu’s deep concern over the incident and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
As part of immediate measures to strengthen security in the area, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to improve surveillance and response capabilities in vulnerable communities.
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 and approval.
In addition, President Tinubu directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify ongoing efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
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 President Tinubu was deeply troubled by the abduction and had directed the nation’s top security leadership to deploy every available resource towards securing the release of the victims.
“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,” he said.
He also assured anxious residents that rescue efforts would be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the monarch and residents over the incident.
They further met with the family of the deceased school teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, where Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family of government support.
By TimesNG