President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team as part of urgent efforts to tackle the worsening security situation following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The move comes amid growing national concern over the kidnapping of dozens of schoolchildren and education workers from communities in Ogbomoso axis of the state.
The announcement was made during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. The delegation, which also included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and other top security officials, visited affected communities to reassure residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of the victims.
According to the delegation, the recruitment of the forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen surveillance and security operations across forests and vulnerable communities where criminal gangs have increasingly operated. The President also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at bringing the abducted pupils and teachers home safely. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Addressing residents during the visit, Gbajabiamila conveyed Tinubu’s deep concern over the incident and assured families that every available resource would be deployed to ensure the safe return of the victims. He stated that the President had given clear directives to security agencies and was providing all necessary support for a successful rescue operation. He also stressed that the mission would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to avoid endangering the lives of those in captivity.
The Federal Government further revealed that requests from community leaders for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration. The proposal is seen as part of broader efforts to prevent future attacks and restore confidence among residents who have expressed fears over rising insecurity in the region.
The latest intervention follows increasing pressure on authorities after the shocking school abductions sparked outrage across the country. Both the Federal and Oyo State governments have vowed to work closely with security agencies to secure the release of all victims while strengthening measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
