Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Sunday led a high-level Federal Government delegation to Ogbomoso and surrounding communities in Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
They conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s concern over the May 15 attack and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims.
The visit came after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities, an incident that has deepened fears over rising insecurity in the state.
As part of new security measures, the Federal Government approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State in collaboration with the state government to strengthen surveillance in vulnerable areas.
The delegation also informed community leaders that their request for a military base in the area would be forwarded to President Tinubu for further consideration.
In addition, the President ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit with enhanced operational capacity to support ongoing rescue efforts.
Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the presence of top security officials underscored the seriousness with which the Federal Government viewed the incident.
“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,” he said.
He assured families that rescue operations would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to protect the lives of the abducted victims.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he added.
The delegation also visited the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to sympathise with the traditional ruler and residents over the attack.
They later met the family of a slain teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, and her two children, where Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences and promised government support.
The abduction has sparked nationwide concern and renewed calls for stronger protection of schools in rural communities.
