President Tinubu Hears The Cry of Oriire Kidnap Victims, Approves 1,000 Forest Guards for Oyo, Deploys Special Rescue Team
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The President announced the measures through a high-powered Federal Government delegation that visited Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday. The communities were among those affected by the May 15 attack in which armed men stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, abducting scores of pupils and teachers.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, 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 conveyed President Tinubu’s deep concern over the incident and reassured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe return of all those still in captivity.
As part of efforts to strengthen security across the affected communities and surrounding forests, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.
The delegation also disclosed that requests by community leaders and lawmakers for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
In addition, a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities has been directed to intensify ongoing operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply troubled by the incident and had directed security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release.
He assured parents and community members that the rescue mission would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to ensure the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and later visited the family of the slain schoolteacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, where they conveyed the President’s condolences and pledged government support for the bereaved family.