Oyo Abduction: ‎Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards, Deploys Rescue Team

‎ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialized security team to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
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‎This was disclosed on Sunday during a visit by a high-powered 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, 2026.
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‎The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured residents that the Federal Government was committed to securing the safe return of all victims.
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‎As part of immediate security measures, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security across vulnerable forest areas.
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‎The delegation also disclosed that requests by community leaders for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to President Tinubu for consideration.
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‎In addition, the President directed a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
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‎Speaking to residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply troubled by the abduction and had mobilized the nation’s top security leadership to ensure the victims’ safe return.
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‎”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.
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‎He also assured parents and community members that rescue efforts would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to avoid endangering the victims.
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‎The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
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‎During the visit, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathized with the traditional ruler and members of the community over the incident.
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‎However, the team also visited Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of the teacher who lost her life during the attack, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family of the Federal Government’s support.
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‎The visit underscores the Federal Government’s determination to tackle insecurity and ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers while strengthening security architecture across affected communities.