President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered intensified rescue operations to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The development comes as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) commenced an indefinite strike across Oyo State on Monday, demanding the safe return of the victims who have been held captive since a May 15 attack on three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities.
According to a report by Punch, a Federal Government delegation led by Femi Gbajabiamila visited the affected communities on Sunday to deliver the President’s directives and reassure residents of ongoing rescue efforts.
The delegation included Nuhu Ribadu, Tunji Disu, Christopher Musa and presidential aides.
Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was deeply troubled by the incident and had directed security agencies to deploy all available resources to secure the victims’ release.
He assured community members that rescue operations would be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to ensure the safe return of the abductees.
The President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, a move aimed at strengthening security in the forested areas believed to be providing cover for the kidnappers.
The abduction occurred when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire LGA. During the attack, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed, while other casualties were recorded during subsequent rescue attempts.
Meanwhile, the NUT has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely until the abducted pupils and teachers regain their freedom.
In a circular signed by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Dr Clinton Ikpitibo, the union described the conditions endured by the captives as horrifying and inhumane.
The union also instructed its state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity rallies on June 2, with demonstrations expected to end at various government houses to press for improved protection of schools, teachers and learners.
Speaking to Punch, Amba confirmed that teachers had been instructed to remain at home until further notice, citing the government’s inability to secure the release of the victims despite repeated appeals.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who recently visited affected families, appealed for unity and patience, assuring residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to bring back the abducted pupils and teachers safely.
The crisis has also drawn reactions from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, which urged the United Nations to pay closer attention to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, and the Nigerian Baptist Convention, which called for stronger community involvement and renewed advocacy for state policing.
