As part of immediate measures to strengthen security in the Oriire local government area of Oyo State, President Tinubu, in collaboration with Oyo State government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards.
School children and some teachers were kidnapped in the area recently.
The kidnap victims have remained in captivity since then with one of the teachers killed by the kidnappers and the video of the gruesome murder circulated.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said a high-powered federal government delegation which visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State made the approval of the forest guards known.
He said 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 the president for consideration and approval.
He said in addition, the president had directed a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure 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; Tunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila 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 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,” he said.
The delegation was also at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and his people.
The delegation also met with the wife of the deceased school teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun and her two children.
Femi Gbajabiamila delivered the president’s condolences with a promise that the family would not suffer.
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