By Godwin Ogar
President Bola Tinubu has approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of renewed efforts to strengthen security and secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The President also directed a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at freeing the victims taken from three schools in the area.
The directive was conveyed on Sunday by a high-level Federal Government delegation that visited the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA. The delegation informed community leaders and lawmakers that the President had approved additional security measures while considering requests for the establishment of a military base in the area.
The latest intervention comes 16 days after armed men attacked the communities and abducted dozens of schoolchildren and teachers.
Leading the delegation was the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Speaking to residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the deployment of the nation’s top security officials underscored Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
According to him, the President has provided all necessary support and directives to security agencies to facilitate the rescue operation.
Responding to appeals from parents and community members for caution, Gbajabiamila assured residents that the rescue mission would be carefully coordinated and intelligence-driven.
“The operation will be intelligence-led and will combine both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to ensure the safe return of the victims. Your concerns are understood, and by God’s grace, your children will return safely,” he said.
