In a decisive move to address the recent abduction of pupils and the teachers in Ogbomoso, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate
recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and deployed a specialized security unit to intensify rescue efforts.
This action follows a high-powered Federal Government delegation’s visit to the affected communities of Esiele and Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed Tinubu’s profound concern over the May 15, 2026, abductions from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The President’s commitment to securing the safe return of all victims was central message during their interactions with community leaders and lawmakers.
Beyond the immediate deployment of a specialized rescue team with advanced
capabilities, the approval for 1,000 new forest guards, to be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State govt, signals a long-term strategy to bolster security in vulnerable areas.
The delegation also assured the communities that their request for a military base would be presented to the President for urgent consideration.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila emphasized the President’s personal distress over the incident. “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,” Gbajabiamila stated.
He further reassured the community that rescue operations would be “intelligence- led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims.”
This reassurance aimed to calm fears and build trust within the distressed communities.
The delegation included other key security figures such as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
Also, the Chief of Defence Staff,
General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
During their visit, the delegation also paid respects to the Soun of Ogbomoso land, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the wife of a deceased school teacher, and her two children.
Gbajabiamila extended the President’s condolences and pledged ongoing support to the family.
The Federal Government’s swift response underscores a renewed determination to tackle insecurity and ensure the safety of citizens, particularly in educational institutions that have increasingly become targets for criminal elements across the nation.
