President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and deployed a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
A high-powered Federal Government delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday, May 31, 2026, to convey the President’s concern and commitment to securing the safe return of the victims from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who led the delegation, said Tinubu was “deeply troubled” by the incident and had issued all necessary directives to security agencies, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said in a statement.
“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,” Gbajabiamila told residents in English and Yoruba.
He added that the rescue operation would be “intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures” in response to appeals from parents and community members urging caution.
The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and approval.
The FG team included National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu; Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa; and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
The delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of the deceased teacher, and her two children. Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s condolences and assured the family of support.
