The Federal Government has deployed a high-powered delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in the area.
The affected schools include Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, where the incident occurred on May 15, 2026.
The delegation conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s concern over the attack and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
As part of immediate security measures, President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government to strengthen surveillance in vulnerable areas.
The delegation also communicated that a request for the establishment of a military base in the region would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
In addition, the President directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify ongoing efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
The high-level delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Speaking during the visit, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply troubled by the incident and had directed all necessary resources toward securing the victims’ release.
He assured residents that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.
“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
He added that the President had directed security agencies to ensure a professional and coordinated response.
“The operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims,” he stated.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to sympathise with the traditional ruler and the affected communities.
They also met with the family of a deceased teacher linked to the incident, offering condolences and assurances of government support.
The government said efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted victims while strengthening security architecture to prevent future attacks in schools and rural communities.
