By: Sunday Ameh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The approval was announced on Sunday during the visit of a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed the President’s concern over the incident and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe 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 as part of measures aimed at strengthening security in vulnerable communities.
The team also disclosed that a request 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, Tinubu directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Other members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply disturbed by the abduction and had ordered all relevant security agencies to deploy every available resource towards rescuing the victims.
“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,” he said.
He assured parents and community members that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to ensure the victims’ safe return.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the traditional ruler and residents of the affected communities.
The team further met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of a deceased teacher affected by the incident, where Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s condolences and assured the family of government support.
The school abduction has sparked widespread concern in Oyo State, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers recently directing public school teachers to withdraw their services over rising insecurity in the area.
Leave a Reply