President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State to strengthen security following the abduction of pupils and teachers in the area.
The approval was announced during a visit by a high-level Federal Government delegation, led by Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, to Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso in Oriire Local Government Area on Sunday.
The delegation conveyed the President’s concern over the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele, on May 15.
This was stated in a release by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga explained that the recruitment of forest guards would be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to improve security in the affected communities and surrounding areas.
The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
Tinubu also directed a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Minister of Defense, Christopher Musa; and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was deeply troubled by the incident and had directed security agencies to deploy all available resources to rescue the victims.
“Mr. President is very concerned. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back safely. He has issued all necessary directives and is providing full support to our security agencies,” he stated.
Gbajabiamila assured parents and community members that the rescue operations would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to ensure the victims’ safe return.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely,” he added.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, to offer condolences to him and the community.
They also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the wife of a deceased school teacher, and her two children.
Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences and assured them of government support, emphasizing that Tinubu had instructed that the family should not be abandoned in their moment of grief.
