President Bola Tinubu has authorised the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and deployed a specialised tactical rescue team to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
A high-level Federal Government delegation conveyed the President’s directives during a visit to the affected communities of Esiele and Yawota on Sunday, 31 May 2026, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The delegation also confirmed that a request by community leaders for the establishment of a military base in the area has been forwarded to the President for consideration.
The intervention comes 16 days after gunmen attacked three schools—Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School—abducting dozens of pupils and teachers. A mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded during the raid. A motorcyclist was also killed, and a security operative died after detonating improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors.
‘Your children will return safely’
The presidential delegation was led by Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and presidential media aide, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said: “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.”
Responding to appeals from parents urging caution in rescue efforts, Gbajabiamila added: “The operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures. Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
Condolences to slain teacher’s family
The delegation also visited the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the traditional ruler and his people. They later called on Mrs Mary Oyedokun, widow of the slain teacher, and her two children, where Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s personal condolences and promised the family would not be left to suffer.
Forest guards to be recruited with Oyo State
The 1,000 forest guards approved by the President will be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, Onanuga confirmed.
The affected communities sit on the fringes of a forested belt that the abductors have exploited for cover since the attack on 15 May 2026.
