…Approves Recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards to Boost Search Operations
…Makinde Urges Unity, Assures Families of Safe Return of Victims
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Ogbomoso, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen ongoing search-and-rescue operations in the affected communities.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday. According to him, the directives were conveyed to residents of the affected communities during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Other members of the delegation included the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
The delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, where they met with community leaders and families of the abducted victims to reassure them of the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of those still in captivity.
The visit followed the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the area.
During the meeting, government officials reiterated that security agencies were working round the clock to ensure the safe return of the victims while intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.
The abduction has generated widespread concern and outrage across Oyo State, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security around schools and rural communities.
Also on Saturday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, visited Ogbomoso to sympathise with the families of the victims and reassure residents that every available resource was being deployed to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Addressing community members, Makinde appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation, urging residents not to engage in blame games but to unite behind efforts aimed at rescuing the victims.
The governor described the incident as particularly painful because it involved the abduction of schoolchildren, noting that such an attack was unprecedented in the state.
He expressed deep sympathy for the affected families and condemned the actions of the kidnappers as cruel, inhumane and unacceptable.
Makinde also paid tribute to operatives of the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, who have continued to confront security challenges across the state, with some reportedly paying the ultimate price in the line of duty.
According to the governor, he has been holding security briefings twice daily since the abduction occurred and remains in constant contact with security agencies coordinating rescue operations.
He commended security commanders and personnel for their commitment and dedication to safeguarding lives and property, while urging residents to continue supporting ongoing efforts through cooperation and prayers.
“I have come here today because of you. This government is responsible to you, and by the grace of God, with your cooperation, we will bring back our children and their teachers,” Makinde assured the families.
He stressed that the rescue mission should transcend political considerations, adding that both the state and federal governments were working together to ensure the victims’ safe return.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, abducting 45 pupils and teachers.
Reports later indicated that one of the abducted teachers, said to be a Mathematics teacher, was killed by the kidnappers, further heightening public anxiety and grief.
The incident has attracted nationwide condemnation, with President Tinubu and Governor Makinde pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice and secure the release of all remaining captives.
More than two weeks after the attack, many of the victims remain in captivity, fueling concerns among residents and education stakeholders across the state.
The growing frustration culminated in a peaceful protest in Ogbomoso last Monday, as teachers suspended classroom activities and marched to the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) office to demand urgent government intervention.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters called on authorities at all levels to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen security measures around schools to guarantee safer learning environments for pupils, students and education workers.
