By Stephen Simon
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue unit to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area, as the Federal Government ramps up efforts to address the worsening security situation.
The directives were conveyed on Sunday by a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities, where dozens of pupils and teachers were kidnapped in coordinated attacks on three schools on May 15.
The delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing community leaders and residents, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply disturbed by the abduction and had directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the victims.
“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.
Gbajabiamila assured residents that ongoing rescue efforts would be intelligence-driven and professionally coordinated to safeguard the lives of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He also disclosed that the communities’ request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
The delegation separately visited the family of Michael Oyedokun, a teacher reportedly killed during the attack, conveying the President’s condolences and promising support for the bereaved family.
Speaking during the visit, Ribadu described the abductors as “evil” and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to rescue all the captives.
“We share in your pain and agony. The kidnapping of innocent children, including a two-year-old infant, is unacceptable. The Federal Government will ensure that this menace is brought to an end,” the National Security Adviser stated.
General Musa confirmed the approval of the 1,000 forest guards, explaining that the initiative would be implemented in partnership with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security across vulnerable communities and forest corridors often exploited by criminal elements.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities, carting away dozens of pupils and teachers.
The incident triggered widespread outrage across the country after videos surfaced online showing some of the abductees appealing to President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, and other authorities for urgent intervention.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike across Oyo State beginning Monday, June 1, over the continued captivity of the victims.
In a directive signed by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Clinton Ikpitibo, the union instructed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services until the abducted pupils and teachers regain their freedom.
The union also announced nationwide solidarity rallies scheduled for June 2 to draw attention to the security challenges confronting schools and to demand the immediate rescue of the victims.
“As a mark of solidarity, all state chapters of the union will organise peaceful rallies to demand the unconditional release of the kidnapped teachers and learners,” the statement read.
NUT expressed concern over what it described as the deplorable conditions under which the victims were being held and urged governments at all levels to prioritise the safety of teachers and learners.
However, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State chapter, distanced itself from the planned protest, arguing that security concerns should be addressed through sustained engagement and collaboration with relevant authorities rather than public demonstrations.
The crisis has continued to draw reactions from civil society organisations, religious leaders, and community stakeholders, many of whom have called for urgent and decisive action to secure the release of the abducted children and teachers while strengthening security around schools nationwide.
