FG Delegation Visits Oriire, Assures Families of Abducted Pupils, Teachers of Rescue Efforts

A high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Sunday visited Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to commiserate with families of teachers, students and pupils abducted during a coordinated attack on schools in the community.

The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

The visit followed the May 15 abduction of teachers and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire.

Addressing community leaders, traditional rulers and affected families, Gbajabiamila conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathy and solidarity with the victims and their relatives, assuring them that the Federal Government was fully committed to securing the safe return of those still in captivity.

He disclosed that the President had personally monitored developments surrounding the incident, including videos reportedly showing some of the victims in captivity and had directed security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.

“The President has directed that every effort be made to bring our children, teachers and other victims back home safely. The strategy being deployed is intelligence-driven, with the overriding objective of ensuring their safe return,” he said.

Gbajabiamila further revealed that the Federal Government would provide psychosocial support and trauma counselling for affected families, stressing that the welfare and protection of Nigerian children remain central to the administration’s priorities.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu described the abduction of infants and young schoolchildren as deeply disturbing, noting that criminal groups were increasingly adopting new and more dangerous tactics.

He assured residents that the government remained determined to confront insecurity and restore public confidence.

According to Ribadu, plans are underway to deploy forest guards to vulnerable rural communities across Oyo State to enhance security around schools and prevent future attacks.

Minister of Defence Christopher Musa also appealed to residents to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information.

He disclosed that security agencies were deploying surveillance technology and intelligence assets across the affected areas to track the kidnappers and facilitate the rescue of the victims.

Musa urged residents to report suspicious activities and unfamiliar movements within their communities, expressing optimism that the victims would soon be reunited with their families.

The visit comes amid growing national concern over the safety of schools following the abduction, which has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger protection of educational institutions.