President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as efforts intensify to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The President also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to step up operations aimed at rescuing the victims, who were kidnapped during attacks on three schools in the area on May 15.
The development came as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) commenced an indefinite strike across Oyo State on Monday and announced plans for solidarity rallies nationwide to demand the release of the abductees.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said a Federal Government delegation delivered Tinubu’s directives to community leaders and lawmakers during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday.
The delegation, led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa and presidential media aide Sunday Dare.
According to the statement, the delegation also informed residents that their request for a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
Addressing community members, Gbajabiamila said the President remained committed to securing the freedom of the victims.
“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,” Gbajabiamila said.
He assured residents that security operations would be carefully handled to avoid endangering the captives.
“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.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and met the family of Michael Oyedokun, the teacher who lost his life during the attack.
Onanuga disclosed that the forest guards would be recruited in partnership with the Oyo State Government.
The kidnappings occurred when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities. Several pupils and teachers were taken away.
A two-year-old child and a school principal are among those still being held captive.
Speaking during the visit, Ribadu assured residents that the Federal Government would continue efforts to rescue the victims.
“We share in your pains and agonies. The perpetrators of this dastardly act are evil.
“The kidnapping of a two-year-old infant is nothing but evil.
“The Federal Government will ensure that an end is brought to this inglorious act nationwide,” he said.
Defence Minister Musa reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening security in the area.
“Like the Chief of Staff said, President Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest rangers in Oyo. Other security requests by the people will be looked into,” he said.
Earlier, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, attributed recurring abductions in the area to the vast forest reserve surrounding the communities.
“The kidnappers are taking advantage of the vast forest reserve in the area to perpetrate evil. We need a military base in Oriire.
“Also, the government must do something about the mobile network service in the area,” the monarch said.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited the affected communities on Saturday, appealed for unity and urged residents not to politicise the rescue efforts.
“Don’t cry. I have come here because of you. You installed this government. I want to let you know that this government is responsible to you.
“By the grace of God and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and the teachers.
“This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers. I feel your pain, but have trust in us.”
Meanwhile, the NUT has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely until the abducted teachers and pupils regain their freedom.
In a circular signed by National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Clinton Ikpitibo, the union said it was alarmed by reports about the condition of the victims in captivity.
“The National Leadership has directed all Primary and Secondary School teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, 1st June, 2026, until the abducted teachers and students are safely released,” the statement read.
The union also ordered all state chapters across the country to organise solidarity rallies on June 2.
“As a mark of solidarity, the national leadership has directed all state wings of the union to embark on solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to press home our demand for the unconditional release of the teachers and learners kidnapped in Oyo and other states of the federation.”
Confirming the action, Amba said teachers had been directed to remain at home until further notice.
“We have directed all teachers in Oyo State to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday),” he said.
The Oyo State chapter of the NUT later announced full compliance with the directive, stating that the continued captivity of the victims had created fear and anxiety within the education sector.
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), however, distanced itself from the planned rallies. The association said concerns over insecurity should be addressed through dialogue and engagement with relevant authorities rather than public demonstrations.
Also reacting to the situation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter and place Nigeria’s worsening security situation before the UN Security Council.
SERAP stated, “Nigeria’s escalating insecurity and grave human rights violations are reflected in repeated abductions, killings, attacks on civilians, and mass displacement in Oyo, Benue, Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, and several other parts of the country.”
The organisation added, “The scale, persistence, and regional implications of the insecurity and grave human rights crisis in Nigeria pose a threat to international peace and security and risk aggravating existing threats in the region.”
“Article 99 of the UN Charter is designed precisely for situations in which emerging or ongoing crises require urgent preventive diplomacy, sustained international scrutiny, and coordinated international action,” it said.
The Nigerian Baptist Convention also expressed concern over the abductions and called for stronger action against insecurity.
Convention President, Rev. Israel Akanji, described the situation as distressing, especially because a toddler was among those kidnapped.
“The Nigerian Baptist Convention is particularly grieved by the condition of the children and the toddler who are being held captive in the bush and exposed daily to rainfall and harsh weather without any shelter or cover,” he said.
He warned that patience was wearing thin among many Nigerians.
“Despite repeated calls and efforts to end these incessant abductions, killings and destruction of churches and property, the situation continues to worsen rather than improve. Nigerians, particularly the Church, are running out of patience and cannot continue to watch while lives and properties are being wasted daily,” Akanji said.
The cleric urged traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society groups to become more involved in security efforts.
“Local ownership of security is critical at this time. Traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society leaders must rise forcefully against this menace so that the burden does not rest on government alone,” he said.
He also renewed calls for state police and appealed for prayers for the safe return of the victims.
“We call on all Baptists and Nigerians of goodwill to intensify prayers for the quick and safe release of all captives and for lasting peace in our nation,” Akanji added.
