Oyo abduction: NUT strike begins as Tinubu sends 1,000 forest guards

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed a specialized security unit to escalate rescue operations for abducted pupils and teachers. The directive comes amid an indefinite strike called by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the state, who also plan nationwide solidarity rallies.

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Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely.

The kidnappings occurred 16 days prior in the Oriire Local Government Area, where gunmen seized dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers from three schools. A high-powered federal delegation, including the President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, visited the affected communities to convey the presidential directives.

Gbajabiamila assured community leaders and lawmakers that the president is "deeply troubled" by the incident and is committed to deploying all necessary resources for the victims' safe return. He emphasized that the rescue operation will be "intelligence-led and carefully coordinated," utilizing both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to ensure the children and teachers are brought back home safely.

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He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.

The delegation also visited the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and offered personal condolences from President Tinubu to the widow and children of a slain teacher, promising support.

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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.

The presidential approval for forest guards and the intensified security efforts signal a significant escalation in the government's response to the ongoing crisis, aiming to reassure anxious parents and communities while pressing for the swift and safe resolution of the abductions.

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Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.