Oyo School Kidnap Crisis Deepens as Tinubu Deploys Forest Guards

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to secure the release of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, with President Bola Tinubu approving the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and ordering a strengthened rescue operation targeting the kidnappers’ hideouts.

The latest intervention comes as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) commenced an indefinite strike across Oyo State and announced plans for nationwide solidarity protests over the continued captivity of the victims.

A statement issued on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu’s directives were conveyed to residents of Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area by a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

The officials met with community leaders and lawmakers, assuring them that the Federal Government was deploying every available resource to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was personally disturbed by the tragedy and had directed security agencies to spare no effort in rescuing the victims.

“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 to achieve that objective,” Gbajabiamila said.

Responding to appeals from parents and residents urging caution during rescue operations, the Chief of Staff assured them that security agencies would prioritise the safety of the captives.

“Mr President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts.

“Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”

The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and later met the family of slain teacher Michael Oyedokun, whose death shocked the community following the attack.

Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences to the widow, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and assured the family of government support.

As part of new security measures, Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to work with the Oyo State Government in policing vulnerable forest corridors frequently exploited by criminal groups.

The approval followed concerns raised by community leaders over the role of dense forests in facilitating repeated abductions and attacks.

The mass abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers.

During the attack, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, while a security operative died after encountering explosive devices planted by the attackers during rescue efforts.

Speaking during the visit, Ribadu condemned the kidnappers and promised sustained action against criminal elements.

“We share in your pains and agonies. The perpetrators of this dastardly act are evil.

“The kidnapping of a two-year-old infant is nothing but evil.

“The Federal Government will ensure that an end is brought to this inglorious act nationwide,” he said.

Defence Minister Musa confirmed the President’s approval for the forest guards and promised consideration of additional security requests made by residents.

“Like the Chief of Staff said, President Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest rangers in Oyo. Other security requests by the people will be looked into.”

Earlier, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, urged the Federal Government to establish a military base in Oriire and improve telecommunications infrastructure in the area.

“The kidnappers are taking advantage of the vast forest reserve in the area to perpetrate evil. We need a military base in Oriire.

“Also, the government must do something about the mobile network service in the area,” the monarch said.

Among those still being held by the abductors are a school principal and a two-year-old child. Disturbing videos released by some of the captives recently showed them appealing to President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerians for help, while describing harsh conditions in captivity.

Governor Makinde, who visited the affected communities on Saturday, appealed for unity and urged residents not to politicise the tragedy.

“Don’t cry. I have come here because of you. You installed this government. I want to let you know that this government is responsible to you.

“By the grace of God and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and the teachers.

“This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers. I feel your pain, but have trust in us.”

The governor said security meetings had been held daily since the incident occurred and pledged continued collaboration with federal agencies to secure the release of the victims.