President Bola Tinubu has directed the deployment of a “specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities” to intensify efforts to secure the release pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Ogbomoso, Oriire LGA of Oyo state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu has also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the state government to intensify the search and rescue efforts.
Onanuga said a federal government delegation by Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu’s chief of staff (CoS), and Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), visited Esiele and Yawota, communities in the LGA, on Sunday, and disclosed the president’s directives to the residents.
The delegation also had Tunji Disu, inspector-general of police; Christopher Musa, minister of defence; and Sunday Dare, special adviser to the president on media and public communications.
Gbajabiamila, who addressed the community leaders and residents in English and Yoruba language, said the president’s decision to dispatch the nation’s top security leadership to the affected communities reflected 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 said.
“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.
“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.”
According to the statement, the delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to Tinubu for consideration and approval.
Gunmen abducted the pupils and teachers during an attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School on May 15.
Ayanlade Olayinka, police spokesperson in Oyo, said the abducted victims include Alamu Folawe, the vice-principal of Community Grammar School.
Olayinka said while no pupil or student had been confirmed killed during the incident at the time, an assistant headmaster identified as Adesiyan, was killed during the attack.
The federal government delegation visited the palace of Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, to commiserate with him and community residents.
Onanuga said the delegation also met with Mary Oyedokun, the wife of the deceased schoolteacher, and her two children.
Gbajabiamila delivered the president’s condolences, assuring that the family would not suffer.
