A high-powered Federal Government delegation on Sunday visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15,2026, in an incident that has generated widespread concern across the state and the country.
The delegation conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s concern over the abduction and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.
As part of measures to strengthen security in the area, the delegation announced that President Tinubu had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government.
The team also assured community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be presented to the President for consideration.
In addition, the President has directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu’s decision to send the nation’s top security officials to the affected communities underscored his determination to deploy every available resource towards securing the victims’ release.
“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,” he said.
He assured residents that the government understood their pain and anxiety and expressed confidence that the victims would be reunited with their families.
Gbajabiamila also acknowledged appeals by parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts.
“Mr. President 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,” he added.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the traditional ruler and the people of the area over the incident.
The team further met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, widow of the deceased school teacher, and her two children. During the visit, Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family of the Federal Government’s support.
According to the delegation, the President remains committed to ensuring that the victims are rescued safely and that additional security measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.