President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat criminal activities in forested communities.
The President also directed a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify ongoing operations aimed at securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The directive was conveyed on Sunday by a high-level Federal Government delegation that visited the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA. The team informed community leaders and lawmakers of the President’s decisions during the visit held on May 31, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the delegation also disclosed that requests by residents for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
The latest intervention comes 16 days after armed men invaded communities in the local government area and abducted dozens of schoolchildren and teachers.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Speaking in English and Yoruba during meetings with residents, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to send the nation’s top security officials to the affected communities underscored his commitment to ensuring the victims are rescued.
“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 said.
He also responded to appeals by parents and community members who had called for caution in the conduct of rescue operations.
“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.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
During the visit, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, at his palace, where they sympathised with the traditional ruler and residents over the incident.
The officials also visited Mrs Mary Oyedokun, widow of slain teacher Michael Oyedokun, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s personal condolences to the family and assured them of government support.
Onanuga stated that the recruitment of the 1,000 forest guards would be carried out in partnership with the Oyo State Government.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities, taking pupils and teachers hostage.
The attack claimed the life of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was beheaded by the assailants. A motorcyclist was also killed, while a security operative died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during initial rescue efforts.
The affected communities are located along a forest corridor that the kidnappers have reportedly used as cover since carrying out the attack.
