President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as efforts intensify to rescue dozens of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The approval came as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) commenced an indefinite strike across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State on Monday, demanding the immediate rescue of the kidnapped victims.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also directed a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
A high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the affected Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on Sunday. The delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa (retd.), and other top government officials.
During the visit, community leaders were informed that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to President Tinubu for consideration.
Gbajabiamila assured residents that the Federal Government was fully committed to securing the release of 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.
He added that the rescue operation would be carefully coordinated and intelligence-driven to ensure the safety of those in captivity.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities. Several pupils and teachers were taken hostage during the attack.
The incident turned tragic after a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the attackers. A motorcyclist was also killed, while a security operative died after encountering explosive devices planted by the kidnappers during rescue attempts.
Authorities confirmed that among those still in captivity are a two-year-old child and a school principal.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the perpetrators as evil and vowed that the Federal Government would not relent until the victims regained freedom.
“We share in your pains and agonies. The kidnapping of innocent children, including a two-year-old infant, is unacceptable. The Federal Government will ensure that an end is brought to this menace,” Ribadu said.
Similarly, Defence Chief Christopher Musa urged communities to work closely with security agencies to combat criminal activities, noting that local cooperation remains essential in addressing insecurity.
Traditional rulers in the area also expressed concerns over the vast forest reserves allegedly being used as hideouts by criminal groups. The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, called for the establishment of a military base and improved telecommunications infrastructure to support security operations.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited the affected communities and appealed to residents not to engage in blame games between the state and federal governments.
“This is the time for unity and cooperation. We are working tirelessly with security agencies to ensure the safe return of our children and teachers,” Makinde said.
In response to the prolonged captivity of the victims, the Nigeria Union of Teachers announced an indefinite strike across Oyo State.
In a circular signed by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Dr. Clinton Ikpitibo, the union directed all teachers in public primary and secondary schools to withdraw their services until all abducted pupils and teachers are rescued.
The union expressed outrage over what it described as the horrifying and traumatic conditions under which the victims are being held.
NUT also announced nationwide solidarity rallies scheduled for June 2, 2026, across various state capitals to demand improved security for schools, teachers, and learners.
“As a mark of solidarity, all state wings of the union are directed to organise peaceful rallies to press home our demand for the unconditional release of all kidnapped teachers and learners,” the statement said.
Confirming the action, NUT President Audu Amba stated that teachers in Oyo State had been instructed to remain at home until further notice.
The Oyo State chapter of the union has already declared full compliance with the directive, insisting that the continued detention of teachers and schoolchildren has created fear and uncertainty within the education sector.
However, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State chapter, distanced itself from the planned protests.
The association said it preferred engagement and dialogue with government authorities rather than public demonstrations, adding that the safety of pupils and teachers remains its top priority.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter and draw the attention of the UN Security Council to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
SERAP argued that the growing wave of kidnappings, killings, and mass displacement across several states poses a threat not only to Nigeria but also to regional peace and security.
The Nigerian Baptist Convention also expressed deep concern over the abduction, particularly because some of the victims include young children.
Convention President Rev. Israel Akanji described the situation as heartbreaking and called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society groups to play more active roles in combating insecurity.
He renewed calls for the establishment of state police and urged governments at all levels to adopt more effective, technology-driven security measures.
As rescue efforts continue, families of the abducted pupils and teachers remain hopeful that government intervention and intensified security operations will secure the safe return of their loved ones.
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