President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, a high-powered Federal Government delegation conveyed the President’s directives during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on Sunday.
The development came as the Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike across Oyo State beginning Monday,1 June 2026, while also announcing nationwide solidarity rallies over the continued captivity of the schoolchildren and teachers.
The President also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted victims from the affected schools.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd); and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Tinubu orders rescue operations
Addressing residents, Mr Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply disturbed by the incident and remained committed to ensuring the safe return of all victims.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
He added that the President had directed security agencies to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic measures in carrying out intelligence-led rescue operations.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” Mr Gbajabiamila added.
The delegation also informed community leaders that their request for a military base in Oriire had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
Forest guards approved for Oyo
Mr Onanuga disclosed that the 1,000 forest guards approved by President Tinubu would be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around forest reserves frequently exploited by criminal groups.
The abduction occurred on 15 May 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities.
During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded, while a motorcyclist and a security operative also lost their lives during rescue attempts.
The communities are located within a forested corridor believed to have provided cover for the abductors.
Ribadu, defence minister react
The National Security Adviser, Mr Ribadu, condemned the abduction, describing the perpetrators as evil.
“We share in your pains and agonies. The kidnapping of a two-year-old infant is nothing but evil,” he said.
Defence Minister, General Musa, also confirmed the President’s approval for the forest guards and urged residents to support security agencies with intelligence.
“President Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest rangers in Oyo. Other security requests by the people will be looked into,” he stated.
NUT declares indefinite strike
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning Monday.
In a circular jointly signed by NUT National President, Audu Amba, and Secretary-General, Dr Clinton Ikpitibo, the union described the conditions faced by the abducted teachers and pupils as horrifying and traumatic.
“The National Leadership has directed all Primary and Secondary School teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, 2026, until the abducted teachers and students are safely released,” the statement read.
The union also directed all state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, to demand improved protection for schools, teachers and learners across Nigeria.
Makinde appeals for unity
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who visited affected families over the weekend, appealed to residents not to politicise the tragedy.
“This is not the time to start trading blame between the state and federal government. This is the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers,” Mr Makinde said.
He disclosed that security meetings had been ongoing daily since the abduction occurred and assured residents that efforts to rescue the victims were being intensified.
Community demands military presence
Traditional rulers and community leaders also renewed calls for a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, blamed the recurring attacks on the vast forest reserves in the area.
“The kidnappers are taking advantage of the vast forest reserve in the area to perpetrate evil. We need a military base in Oriire,” the monarch said.
Videos earlier surfaced online showing abducted victims appealing to President Tinubu and Governor Makinde for urgent intervention as concerns continue to mount over their safety.
The crisis has further reignited national concerns over school security, kidnapping and insecurity in rural communities across Nigeria.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
