Tinubu Orders Massive Security Crackdown in Oyo, Approves 1,000 Forest Guards as Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Mass Abduction
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to secure the release of dozens of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and directing a specialized rescue unit to intensify operations in the troubled Oriire Local Government Area.
The latest intervention comes 16 days after heavily armed kidnappers attacked three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting pupils, teachers, a school principal, and even a two-year-old child in one of the most disturbing mass school kidnappings recorded in the State in recent years.
Federal Government Sends Top Security Chiefs to Oyo
Global Mirror News gathered that a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited the affected communities on Sunday May 31, conveying President Tinubu’s directives and reassuring residents that every available resource would be deployed to secure the victims’ safe return.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, and Presidential Media Adviser Sunday Dare.
Addressing worried residents in both English and Yoruba languages, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply disturbed by the tragedy and had ordered Security Agencies to leave no stone unturned.
“Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he assured.
He further disclose that rescue operations would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, utilizing both Military force and non-violent strategies to prevent harm to the captives.
1,000 Forest Guards Approved
In response to growing concerns about insecurity around forested communities, President Tinubu approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen surveillance and security operations across vulnerable areas of Oyo State.
According to Global Mirror News reports, the recruitment exercise will be carried out in partnership with the Oyo State Government and is expected to improve security presence around forest corridors frequently exploited by criminal gangs.
Defence Minister Christopher Musa also confirmed the approval, adding that other security requests from local communities would be examined by the Federal Government.
Community Demands Military Base
Traditional rulers and community leaders used the visit to renew calls for the establishment of a myilitary base in Oriire Local Government Area.
Speaking on behalf of residents, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, blamed recurring kidnappings on the vast forests surrounding the area.
According to the monarch, criminal groups have repeatedly used the dense forest reserves as operational hideouts while carrying out attacks on schools and rural communities.
He also called for improvements in telecommunications infrastructure, arguing that poor network connectivity has hampered security responses and emergency communication.
The Federal Government delegation informed community leaders that their request for a Military base had already been forwarded to the President for consideration.
How the Abduction Happened
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen stormed:
*Community Grammar School
* Baptist Nursery and Primary School
* L.A. Primary School
all located within Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The attackers abducted dozens of pupils and teachers during the coordinated assault.
The incident turned even more tragic when a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers.
A commercial motorcyclist was also killed during the attack, while a security operative lost his life after triggering improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the abductors during rescue operations.
Tinubu Condoles Slain Teacher’s Family
During the visit, members of the Federal Government delegation paid a condolence visit to the widow of the murdered teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, and her children.
Gbajabiamila delivered President Tinubu’s personal condolences and assured the bereaved family that the Government would support them and ensure they were not abandoned.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, to sympathize with the people of the region over the tragedy.
Ribadu Vows Justice
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu condemned the kidnapping, describing it as an evil act that must not be allowed to continue.
Particularly alarming, according to security officials, is the presence of a two-year-old infant among those still being held captive.
Ribadu vowed that the Federal Government would intensify efforts not only to rescue the victims but also to dismantle kidnapping networks operating across Nigeria.
Makinde Appeals for Unity
Earlier, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited affected families in Ahoro Esiele and urged residents not to politicize the tragedy.
Makinde said his administration had been holding security meetings twice daily since the incident occurred and was working closely with federal security agencies to facilitate the victims’ rescue.
He appealed for cooperation from residents and stressed that the focus should remain on bringing the captives home safely rather than assigning blame between state and federal authorities.
The Governor also commended the efforts of the Western Security Network, Amotekun, whose operatives have suffered casualties while combating insecurity in the State.
Teachers Declare Indefinite Strike
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers has declared an indefinite strike across Oyo State beginning Monday, June 1, 2026.
The Union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers to withdraw their services until the abducted teachers and pupils are rescued.
In a circular signed by National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Dr. Clinton Ikpitibo, the union described the conditions under which the victims are being held as horrifying, traumatic, and inhumane.
The NUT expressed outrage over reports of killings among the abductees and emotional videos released by captives pleading for help from President Tinubu, Governor Makinde, and Nigerians.
According to the Union, the prolonged captivity and lack of visible progress in rescue efforts left it with no alternative but to embark on industrial action.
Nationwide Protest Rallies Planned
Beyond the strike, the NUT has directed all state chapters across Nigeria to organize solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The demonstrations are expected to end at various Government Houses nationwide, where union leaders will address journalists and demand stronger protection for schools, teachers, and students.
The Union said the rallies are intended to draw National attention to the growing threat posed by attacks on educational institutions across the Country.
Private School Owners Distance Themselves
However, the Oyo State chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools has distanced itself from the planned protests.
In a statement signed by its president, Fajobi Olukunle, the association advised members not to participate in the demonstrations.
NAPPS argued that insecurity issues should be addressed through dialogue and engagement with authorities rather than public protests, while maintaining its commitment to the safety and welfare of students and teachers.
SERAP Seeks UN Intervention
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has also weighed in on the crisis, calling on António Guterres to invoke Article 99 of the United Nations Charter and bring Nigeria’s worsening security situation before the UN Security Council.
SERAP argued that the increasing wave of kidnappings, killings, mass displacement, and attacks on civilians across several Nigerian states now poses a threat to regional stability and international peace.
The organization said urgent international attention is required to address what it described as a deepening human rights and security crisis affecting communities across Nigeria.
As anxiety continues to mount among families of the abducted victims, residents of Oriire and the wider Oyo State community remain hopeful that the renewed federal intervention and intensified security operations will finally lead to the safe return of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
