President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State as part of fresh measures to tackle insecurity and support ongoing efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive was conveyed on Sunday by a Federal Government delegation that visited Esiele and Yawota communities, where the kidnappings occurred. The delegation also informed community leaders that their request for a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
The federal team was led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa and Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare.
During meetings with residents and local leaders, the delegation assured the communities that the Federal Government was fully committed to securing the release of the victims. The officials said the President had directed security agencies to use all available resources to ensure the operation succeeds.
The government also assured families that the rescue mission would be carefully planned and driven by intelligence gathering to avoid putting the captives at further risk. Authorities said security operatives would combine different strategies in their efforts to bring the victims home safely.
As part of the visit, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland and later met the family of the late teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was killed during the attack. The officials expressed sympathy to the family and promised government support.
The newly approved forest guards will be recruited in partnership with the Oyo State Government. The initiative is expected to improve surveillance and security across forest areas often used by criminal groups.
The abduction took place on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities. Several pupils and teachers were taken away during the assault.
The attack also claimed lives. Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed, while a motorcyclist lost his life. A security operative also died after encountering explosive devices planted by the kidnappers during rescue attempts.
Since the incident, security agencies have continued operations in the forest areas around Oriire, where the abductors are believed to be hiding. The latest measures announced by the Federal Government are aimed at strengthening those efforts and improving security across the affected communities.