President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team as part of emergency security measures following the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Ogbomoso nearly three weeks ago.
The emergency measures were announced in a statement on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
This also follows the earlier visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the communities most affected by the May 15 kidnapping at Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police; Tunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Gbajabiamila told the residents that the President was troubled by the incident and had sent the nation’s top security leadership to signal his personal commitment to rescuing the victims.
“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 to achieve that objective,” Gbajabiamila told the residents.
The Chief of Staff added that rescue operations would be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to ensure victims were returned safely.
He said the President had taken note of appeals by some parents to and community members calling for caution in the conduct of the rescue operation.
On the question of a military base demanded by community leaders and lawmakers, Gbajabiamila said the request would be formally conveyed to President Tinubu for consideration and approval.
The delegation paid a condolence visit to the Palace of the Soun of Ogbomosholand, HRH Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and his people.
The delegation also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of the teacher killed after the abduction, and her two children, and her two children.
Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s personal condolences and gave an assurance that the family would receive government support.
