Following a high-powered Federal Government visit to affected Ogbomoso communities on Sunday, May 31, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and deployed a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to locate the pupils and teachers abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
The high-level delegation, dispatched directly to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, conveyed the President’s deep personal concern over the mass abduction and his absolute commitment to ensuring the victims’ safe return. Led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the delegation also 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 the anxious local residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila emphasized that sending the nation’s top security leadership directly to the affected area demonstrates the presidency’s resolve to deploy every available resource to end the crisis. He stated that the President is deeply troubled, has issued all necessary directives, and is providing full support to security agencies to bring the children and teachers home safely.
In response to appeals from worried parents and community members urging caution due to recent tactical complications, Gbajabiamila assured the public that the rescue operation will be strictly intelligence-led and carefully coordinated. He maintained that the government will deploy a strategic mix of both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to safely reunite the children with their families.
Beyond the immediate deployment of the specialized rescue unit and the state-partnered recruitment of the 1,000 forest guards to secure the vast local woodlands, the delegation informed community leaders and lawmakers that their urgent request for the permanent establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed directly to President Tinubu for final consideration and approval.
During the assessment tour, the delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and the entire kingdom over the tragedy.
In a deeply emotional meeting, the federal officials also visited Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the wife of the school teacher who was brutally killed by the terrorists, along with her two children. Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s personal condolences to the family, giving a firm government promise that the bereaved household would not be left to suffer, according to an official statehouse press release signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
