The FG on Sunday sent a delegation of officials including the Chief of Staff, Femi Ggajabimala and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu who assured community members of efforts being made to secure the victims release.
KaNo —
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State. He also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) responded by declaring an indefinite strike in Oyo State. The union also announced nationwide solidarity rallies to pressure the government to rescue the victims.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued a statement on Sunday. He said a high-powered Federal Government delegation delivered the President’s directives during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities on May 31, 2026.
President Tinubu sent the delegation to the affected communities. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, led the team. The delegation also included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (retd.), and Special Adviser Sunday Dare.
Onanuga said the delegation informed community leaders that it forwarded their request for a military base to the President for consideration.
Gbajabiamila addressed residents in both English and Yoruba. He said the President sent top security officials to the area to show his commitment to the rescue mission.
“Mr President feels deep concern over this incident,” he said. “Whatever it takes, we will bring our children and teachers back home safely.”
He added that the President issued clear directives and mobilised full support for security agencies.
Gbajabiamila also responded to calls for caution in the rescue operation. He assured residents that security agencies would lead an intelligence-driven operation.
“We will plan carefully and coordinate the operation properly,” he said. “Security agencies will use both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to rescue the victims.”
He added, “We understand your pain and anxiety. By God’s grace, your children will return safely.”
The delegation visited the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and commiserated with him and his people. They also visited the widow of the slain teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences and assured the family of government support.
Armed men attacked three schools—Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School—in Esiele and Yawota on May 15, 2026. They abducted pupils and teachers during the raid.
The attackers killed several people during the incident. They beheaded a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun. They also killed a motorcyclist. A security operative died after he encountered improvised explosive devices planted by the attackers during a rescue attempt.
NSA Reaffirms Commitments To Rescue The Victims
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu addressed the affected communities. He assured residents that the government would pursue the attackers and rescue the victims.
“We share your pain,” he said. “The people behind this act are evil. The kidnapping of a two-year-old child shows the level of cruelty we face.”
He added that the government would end kidnapping across the country.
Defence Minister General Musa reaffirmed the President’s commitment to strengthening security in the area. He said the forest guard initiative formed part of a broader security response. He also urged communities to support security agencies.
“President Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State,” he said. “The government will also consider other security requests.”
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, blamed the attacks on the vast forest reserves in the area. He said criminals use the forests as hideouts.
“The kidnappers exploit the forests to carry out their crimes,” he said. “We need a military base in Oriire.”
He also called on the government to fix poor mobile network coverage in the area.
Days after the attack, videos surfaced online showing the abducted principal and a teacher appealing for help from President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, and Nigerians. The victims said their captors held them under harsh conditions and exposed them to extreme weather.
Makinde Visits Victims’ Families
He urged residents to remain calm and avoid blaming any level of government.
“Do not cry,” he said. “I came here because of you. Your votes brought this government into office. This government will serve you.”
He added, “We will bring back our children and teachers by God’s grace and with your cooperation.”
Makinde urged cooperation between state and federal authorities.
“This is not the time for blame,” he said. “This is the time for unity to rescue the victims. I understand your pain, but trust us.”
He said he held security meetings twice daily since the abduction and worked closely with security agencies to secure the victims’ release.
He also commended the Western Security Network, Amotekun, for its role in combating insecurity, noting that several of its operatives had lost their lives in the line of duty.
Barely three weeks ago, Boko Haram terrorists have kidnapped dozens of school pupils in Borno State in northeast Nigeria.
The terrorists stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the Askira-Uba local government area and abducted about 42 children according to Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South.
Nigeria is facing multiple security challenges ravaging regions despite governments efforts and collaborative military strikes with the US government
