By Seyi Odewale
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue squad to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Presidency announced the measures on Sunday after a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities following the May 15 abduction of teachers and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the forest guards would be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of efforts to strengthen security surveillance across vulnerable communities.
The Presidency also said the Federal Government would consider residents’ demands for the establishment of a military base in the area to tackle rising insecurity.
According to the statement, President Tinubu further directed a specialised security team equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify ongoing operations to rescue the victims safely.
The delegation to Oyo State was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
During separate meetings with community leaders, traditional rulers and affected families, the delegation conveyed the President’s concern over the incident.
It reassured residents that all available security resources were being mobilised to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.
Addressing residents in Ogbomoso, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was deeply disturbed by the abduction and had directed security agencies to ensure the victims were returned safely.
“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 appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that the operation would be carefully coordinated to avoid jeopardising the safety of the victims.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.
“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,” Gbajabiamila added.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they commiserated with the monarch and members of the community over the incident.
Government officials equally paid a condolence visit to the family of the late teacher, Mary Oyedokun, who died during the attack, and met with her two children.
The latest intervention by the Presidency comes amid growing public concern over recurring attacks on schools and communities across parts of the country.
