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President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and deployed a specialised rescue team following the abduction of about 46 pupils and teachers nearly two weeks ago, a presidential spokesperson disclosed on Sunday.
A high-powered government delegation visited the affected communities of Esiele and Yawota to convey the president’s “deep concern” and commitment to securing the victims’ safe return, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement.
“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila told residents.
“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.”
The delegation informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base would be forwarded to the president for consideration.
STILL ON OGBOMOSHO SCHOOL KIDNAP ISSUE
A presidential delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and NSA Nuhu Ribadu arrived in Oyo State earlier this afternoon.
This comes several weeks after the initial visit of the Inspector General of Police, on the orders of… pic.twitter.com/GHVBY5UGUJ
— Daddy D.O🇳🇬 (@DOlusegun) May 31, 2026
The forest guards will be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State government to strengthen security in the area, Onanuga said.
Tinubu has also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, Onanuga added.
Gbajabiamila assured residents that the rescue operation would be “intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.”
He stated, “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.”
The delegation was led by Gbajabiamila and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
The team also visited 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, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun and her two children. Femi Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences and promised that the family will not suffer.
The May 15 raid on three schools saw gunmen on motorcycles seize children as young as two, along with seven teachers. One teacher was killed during the attack, and another was later beheaded. About 46 pupils and teachers remain in captivity, sparking protests by parents demanding intensified rescue efforts.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
*FOLLOWING FG VISIT TO OGBOMOSO COMMUNITIES, TINUBU APPROVES 1,000 FOREST GUARDS, DEPLOYS SPECIAL RESCUE TEAM, CONSIDERS MILITARY BASE REQUEST*
A high-powered Federal Government delegation on Sunday, May 31, 2026, visited Esiele and Yawota communities… pic.twitter.com/BQgqreGfok
— Daddy D.O🇳🇬 (@DOlusegun) May 31, 2026
