President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government.
The Special Adviser to Mr Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Mr Onanuga said a high-powered federal government delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Sunday.
The visit came two weeks after gunmen stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School and kidnapped students and staff.
The presidential spokesperson said the delegation conveyed Mr Tinubu’s deep concern over the incident and his commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
Security measures announced
“As part of immediate measures to strengthen security in the area, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government,” the statement said.
According to him, the delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the president for consideration and approval.
In addition, Mr Onanuga said the president has directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The delegation, according to the statement, 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; Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Mr Gbajabiamila said the president’s decision to dispatch the nation’s top security leadership to the affected communities reflected his determination to deploy every available resource towards securing the victims’ release.
“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.
“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,” Mr Gbajabiamila was quoted in the statement as saying.
The delegation was also at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and his people.
The delegation also met with the wife of the deceased school Teacher, Mary Oyedokun and her two children. Femi Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s condolences with a promise that the family will not suffer.
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The abduction
On 15 May, armed hoodlums riding motorcycles attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state.
The police confirmed that an assistant headmaster, identified as Mr Adesiyan, was killed during the attack. The police further revealed that an okada rider was also shot dead after resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle.
Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that 25 students and seven teachers were abducted during the attacks. He also confirmed that one of the teachers was killed by the assailants.
Videos later circulated showing that a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the gunmen in a gruesome manner.
The attack sparked outrage from parents and community groups who urged the government to prioritise safe rescue over aggressive operations.
Mr Tinubu has condemned the abduction and directed security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and arrest of the perpetrators.
