President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as efforts intensify to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The approval was conveyed on Sunday by a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a visit to the affected communities.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
The abductions occurred on May 15 when gunmen attacked three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities, taking dozens of pupils and teachers captive. During the attack, a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed.
Gbajabiamila assured residents that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike across Oyo State beginning June 1, citing the continued captivity of the victims. The union also directed its state chapters nationwide to hold solidarity rallies demanding improved security for schools and teachers.
