Tinubu Deploys Special Security Unit, Approves 1,000 Forest Guards for Ogbomoso School Abduction Rescue

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Ogbomoso, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen search-and-rescue operations in the affected communities.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, a Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the communities of Esiele and Yawota in Oriire LGA on Sunday to convey the President’s directives and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to rescuing the victims.

Other members of the delegation included the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Addressing community leaders and residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply disturbed by the incident and had directed the nation’s security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.

He assured residents that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the victims’ release without compromising their safety.

The delegation also informed community stakeholders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.

Gunmen had on May 15 abducted pupils and teachers during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in the area.

The spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed that one of the abducted victims was Alamu Folawe, Vice Principal of Community Grammar School.

While no pupil was confirmed killed during the attack, Olayinka disclosed that an assistant headmaster identified as Adesiyan lost his life in the incident.

The Federal Government delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, where they sympathised with the monarch and residents over the tragic event.

The delegation further visited Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of the slain schoolteacher, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the family and assured them of the Federal Government’s support.