Oyo abduction: Tinubu approves recruitment of 1,000 forest guards

…Orders a special rescue operation for the victims

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team following the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The announcement was made on Sunday during a visit by a high-level Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15.

The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and assured residents that efforts were being intensified to secure the release of the victims.

According to the delegation, the recruitment of forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of measures to strengthen security in the area.

Community leaders also renewed calls for the establishment of a military base in the affected communities. The delegation said the request would be forwarded to the President for consideration.

In addition, the President has directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Other members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply troubled by the abduction and had directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the victims’ release.