President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of an elite rescue unit to help free the pupils and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
A federal delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila visited Esiele and Yawota communities. They assured residents that the government is committed to bringing all victims home safely and is treating the incident with utmost seriousness.
The delegation said the forest guards will work with the Oyo State Government to improve surveillance in forested areas often used by criminal gangs.
Community leaders also asked for a military base in the region, and Tinubu promised to consider this as part of broader efforts to prevent future attacks.
Tinubu has also ordered a specialised security unit to step up search-and-rescue efforts. Gbajabiamila told residents that the operation will use both intelligence and force to bring the abducted pupils and teachers back safely. He repeated the president’s promise to bring them home.
The delegation included key federal security officials, underlining Abuja’s resolve to address the crisis.
The team visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to offer their condolences to the traditional ruler.
They also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the widow of a school teacher killed in the attack, and assured her and her children.
Gbajabiamila recognised parents’ anxiety and promised that the government would continue working until all victims are safely returned. He also said that the operations will be done carefully to prevent any further harm.
Tinubu’s approval of forest guards and an elite rescue team shows a stronger federal commitment. Residents are now waiting for results, hoping for both immediate rescue and lasting security.