By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of measures to strengthen security following the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state.
The approval was announced during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation, led by Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, to Ahoro- Esinele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso in Oriire Local Government Area on Sunday.
The delegation conveyed the President’s concern over the abduction of pupils and teachers of Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele on May 15.
This is contained in a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.
According to Onanuga, the recruitment of the forest guards will be undertaken in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to improve security in the affected communities and surrounding areas.
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.
Tinubu also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Also present on the delegation were; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was deeply troubled by the incident and had directed the nation’s security leadership to deploy every available resource to secure 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,” he said.
Gbajabiamila assured parents and community members that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to ensure the victims’ safe return.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he said.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and the people of the area over the incident.
It also met with Mrs Mary Oyedokun, wife of a deceased school teacher, and her two children.
Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences to the family and assured them of government support.
He said Tinubu had directed that the family should not be abandoned in their moment of grief.
(NAN)
