The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oyo State, with Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, leading a high-level delegation to Ogbomoso and surrounding communities affected by the incident.
The delegation, which included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, visited the area on Sunday to convey President Bola Tinubu’s concern and reassure residents of ongoing rescue operations.
The visit followed the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has heightened security concerns across the state.
As part of measures aimed at strengthening security in vulnerable communities, the Federal Government approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State in partnership with the state government.
The delegation also disclosed that requests by community leaders for the establishment of a military base in the area would be presented to President Tinubu for consideration.
In addition, the President has ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to free the abducted victims.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to send the country’s top security officials demonstrated the administration’s determination to ensure the safe return of the pupils and teachers.
He assured residents that all necessary directives had been issued and that security agencies were receiving full government support to secure the victims’ release.
According to him, rescue operations would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to prioritise the safety of those in captivity.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathised with the monarch and residents over the tragic incident.
The officials later met with the family of Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the teacher reportedly killed during the attack, conveying President Tinubu’s condolences and assuring the family of government assistance.
The abduction has attracted nationwide attention and renewed calls for stronger security measures around schools and rural communities ahead of the next academic session.