By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reporter
WORRIES OVER the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State prompted a high-powered Federal Government delegation to visit Esiele and Yawota communities, where President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and ordered intensified rescue efforts.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the delegation visited the communities on May 31, 2026, following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
The delegation conveyed the President’s concern over the incident and his commitment to securing the safe return of the victims as it also announced that President Tinubu had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government as part of immediate measures to strengthen security in the area.
Community leaders and lawmakers were informed that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and approval.
The delegation also said the President had directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The team was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, Christopher Musa, and a presidential adviser on media, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to send the nation’s top security leadership to the affected communities reflected his determination to deploy every available resource towards securing the victims’ release.
“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.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.
“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,” he said.
Later, the delegation also visited the palace of the Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye to commiserate with him and his people and also met with the wife of the deceased school teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her two children, where Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s condolences and promised that the family would not suffer.
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