President Bola Tinubu has directed the deployment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered intensified efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
A Federal Government delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila delivered the directive during a visit to the affected Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday, 16 days after the kidnappings. The delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa and presidential aide Sunday Dare.
According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the delegation also informed residents that their request for a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President.
Gbajabiamila assured community members that Tinubu was committed to securing the safe release of the victims and said rescue efforts would be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated to avoid endangering those abducted.
The delegation also visited the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and the family of slain teacher Michael Oyedokun to convey the President’s condolences.
Onanuga said the forest guards would be recruited in partnership with the Oyo State Government to improve security in forested areas.
The abductions occurred on May 15 when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota, kidnapping pupils and teachers.
Teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed during the attack. A motorcyclist and a security operative also died in related incidents, including an early rescue operation.
Security authorities believe the kidnappers have been using the surrounding forest belt as a hideout since the attack.
