President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised security team to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The President also pledged to consider the request by residents for the establishment of a military base in the affected area as part of measures to strengthen security and prevent future attacks.
The decisions were conveyed on Sunday by a high-powered Federal Government delegation that visited Esiele and Yawota communities following the abduction of 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 Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, told residents that the Federal Government remained fully committed to securing the safe return of all the victims.
According to the delegation, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to improve surveillance and security in forested areas frequently exploited by criminal elements.
The team also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration and approval.
In addition, Tinubu directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify ongoing operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Other members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defense, General Christopher Musa (Rtd); and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba languages, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to dispatch the country’s top security officials to the affected communities underscored the seriousness with which the administration was treating the incident.
“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 the communities that the concerns and anxieties of parents and residents were well understood by the Federal Government.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he added.
Gbajabiamila also responded to appeals by some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts, assuring them that security operations would be intelligence-driven.
“Mr. President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts. Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims,” he said.
The delegation later visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the traditional ruler and the people over the incident.
The team also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of the school teacher killed during the attack, and her two children.
Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that the Federal Government would stand by them and ensure they do not suffer as a result of the tragedy.
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