President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed the deployment of a specialised security unit to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The approvals were announced on Sunday during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where pupils and teachers of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were abducted on May 15.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the safe return of the victims.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the affected communities to convey the President’s concern over the incident and reassure residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to the rescue effort.
Other members of the delegation 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, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply troubled by the abduction and had directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources towards securing the release of the pupils and teachers.
He assured the communities that the rescue operation would be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to ensure the victims’ safe return.
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 President Tinubu for consideration.
The delegation later paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye and met with the family of the late teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, who died during the attack.
Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of the Federal Government’s support.
The Federal Government said the measures underscore President Tinubu’s determination to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers and improve security in vulnerable communities across the country.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
