President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in partnership with the Oyo State Government as part of a broader strategy to improve security and curb criminal activities in vulnerable communities across the state.
The approval comes in the wake of the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has sparked widespread concern. The President announced the measure after a senior Federal Government delegation visited the affected communities to assess the situation firsthand.
In a statement released on Sunday, Tinubu disclosed that he had ordered the immediate deployment of a specialised security team equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to support ongoing efforts aimed at securing the freedom of the kidnapped victims.
He noted that security agencies have been directed to intensify intelligence-driven operations and utilise all available legal resources to ensure the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers.
According to the President, the rescue mission will be carefully coordinated and strategically executed, combining both military and non-military approaches to maximise success while prioritising the safety of those in captivity.
“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” Tinubu stated.
The President further revealed that the Federal Government is giving urgent attention to requests from residents for the establishment of a military base in the area. The proposed facility is expected to strengthen security operations and help prevent future attacks on schools and local communities.
Expressing sympathy for the families affected by the abduction, Tinubu described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy that should never have occurred.
“I share the pain and anxiety of the affected families. No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” he said.
The President also extended his condolences to the family of the school teacher who lost his life during the attack. He specifically sympathised with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun and her relatives, assuring them that the government would not forget the sacrifice made by the deceased.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the wife of the late school teacher, and her family. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his family will not be abandoned,” Tinubu added.
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