President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered intensified efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.
The development came as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) declared an indefinite strike across Oyo State over the continued captivity of the victims.
A high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the affected communities and assured residents that the government would do everything possible to secure the safe return of the abductees.
Speaking during the visit, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply disturbed by the incident and had directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to bring the victims home safely.
“Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he assured.
The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and top security officials.
Ribadu vowed that the Federal Government would leave no stone unturned in tracking down the kidnappers.
“We share in your pains and agonies. The perpetrators of this evil act will not go unpunished,” he said.
The President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security around forest areas often used by kidnappers as hideouts.
The abductions occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities, carting away pupils and teachers.
The attack left a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, dead, while several others were kidnapped and taken into the forest.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers has ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely from Monday, June 1.
The union said the strike would remain in force until all abducted teachers and pupils regain their freedom.
In a directive signed by NUT National President, Audu Amba, and Secretary-General, Dr. Clinton Ikpitibo, the union expressed outrage over the prolonged captivity of the victims and the traumatic conditions they are reportedly facing.
“The continued detention of our colleagues and learners is unacceptable. We cannot continue to watch while teachers and pupils suffer in captivity,” the union stated.
The NUT also announced nationwide solidarity rallies by its state chapters to demand stronger protection for schools, teachers and students across the country.
The union urged the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the immediate and unconditional release of all captives.
The crisis has sparked growing concern among parents and residents, who continue to anxiously await the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.
