President Bola Tinubu has authorised the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest rangers for Oyo State as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat criminal activities in forested areas.
The President also instructed a specialised rescue team equipped with advanced operational capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
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Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike across Oyo State and announced plans to organise solidarity protests nationwide to demand the safe return of the kidnapped victims.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, a high-level Federal Government delegation delivered Tinubu’s directives to traditional rulers, community leaders and lawmakers during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on May 31, 2026.
The delegation also informed residents that their request for the establishment of a military formation in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
The latest intervention comes 16 days after heavily armed assailants invaded communities in the local government area and abducted scores of schoolchildren and teachers.
The Federal Government team was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s representative, DIG Tunji Disu; Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd); and the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Speaking to residents in both Yoruba and English, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu’s decision to send the nation’s top security officials to the affected communities demonstrated his resolve to utilise every available resource to secure the release of the victims.
He stated that the President was deeply concerned by the incident and had directed security agencies to do everything necessary to bring the abducted pupils and teachers home safely.
Responding to concerns raised by families and community members about the rescue process, Gbajabiamila assured them that the operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated.
According to him, security agencies would combine strategic force with non-military approaches to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed.
He acknowledged the anxiety and grief of affected families, expressing confidence that the captives would soon reunite with their loved ones.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and later visited the family of slain teacher Michael Oyedokun.
During the visit, Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences to Oyedokun’s widow, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her children, assuring them of government support.
Onanuga disclosed that the recruitment of the 1,000 forest rangers would be carried out in partnership with the Oyo State Government.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting pupils and teachers.
The attack claimed the life of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by the attackers. A commercial motorcyclist was also killed, while a security operative died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the kidnappers during rescue operations.
The affected communities are located near dense forest reserves, which security experts believe have provided cover for the abductors since the incident.
National Security Adviser Ribadu assured residents that security agencies would pursue every possible lead to secure the victims’ freedom.
He condemned the kidnappers, describing the abduction of innocent children, including a two-year-old infant, as a cruel and inhumane act.
Ribadu further pledged that the Federal Government would continue efforts to stamp out kidnapping and similar crimes across the country.
Defence Minister Musa reiterated the President’s commitment to strengthening security in the area and urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
He confirmed that the approved forest rangers would be deployed immediately, while other security requests from the communities would also receive attention.
Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, attributed the recurring attacks to the vast forest reserves surrounding the area.
The monarch called for the establishment of a military base in Oriire and urged the government to improve telecommunications services to aid security operations.
Among those still in captivity are a school principal and a two-year-old child.
Days after the attack, videos surfaced online showing the abducted principal and a teacher pleading with President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerians for assistance, while describing the harsh conditions under which they were being held.
On Saturday, Governor Seyi Makinde visited Ahoro Esiele and met with families of the victims at L.A. Basic School.
The governor urged residents to remain united and avoid apportioning blame between the state and federal governments, stressing that the immediate priority was rescuing the abducted children and teachers.
Makinde assured families that his administration remained fully committed to securing the victims’ release and had been holding daily security meetings since the incident occurred.
He also praised operatives of the Western Security Network, Amotekun, for their sacrifices in tackling insecurity across the state.
Relatives of the victims have continued to appeal for urgent government intervention.
Professor Wole Alamu, husband of the abducted school principal, as well as Mrs Funmilayo Ojo, whose daughter-in-law and four grandchildren are among the captives, have repeatedly called on authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
Similarly, a family member of one of the abductees, Mr Aliu Saidi, appealed to the government to exhaust all available options to ensure the safe return of those still being held.
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