Tinubu Orders Deployment of Special Rescue Unit for Abducted Ogbomoso Pupils, Teachers

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a specialized security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The directive was disclosed on Sunday during a visit by a high-level Federal Government delegation to the affected communities of Esiele and Yawota in Ogbomoso.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, the President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in partnership with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security operations in rural communities and support ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.

The delegation was led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Other members included the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Addressing residents, community leaders and grieving families, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was personally troubled by the incident 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 said.

According to him, the President had approved both intelligence-led and operational measures designed to maximise the chances of a successful rescue while ensuring the safety of the hostages.

He stressed that the operation would involve both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches and would be coordinated carefully to avoid jeopardising the lives of those in captivity.

The delegation also informed community leaders that their request for a permanent military formation in the area would be presented to the President for consideration.

The victims were abducted on May 15 after gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.

Among those kidnapped was Alamu Folawe, Vice Principal of Community Grammar School.

An assistant headmaster identified simply as Adesiyan was killed during the attack.

During the visit, the Federal Government delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso and later met with relatives of the victims, including Mary Oyedokun, widow of the slain teacher Michael Oyedokun.

Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family that the government would stand by them.

The latest intervention comes amid growing public concern and increasing pressure from labour unions, civil society groups and education stakeholders demanding the immediate release of the abducted teachers and pupils.