By Gideon Maxwell
May 31, 2026
The Federal Government is considering a request for the establishment of a military base in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in the area, as a high powered delegation dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited affected communities on Sunday.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area to assess the situation and convey the President’s commitment to securing the release of the victims abducted on May 15, 2026.
Members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
The visit followed the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, an incident that has generated widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond.
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During meetings with community leaders and lawmakers, residents renewed calls for the establishment of a military base in the area to strengthen security and deter future attacks.
The delegation informed stakeholders that the request would be conveyed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consideration and approval.
As part of measures to improve security in the state, the delegation announced that the President had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.
The Federal Government also disclosed that the President had directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply troubled by the incident and had mobilised the nation’s top security leadership to demonstrate the administration’s resolve to bring the victims home safely.
“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 and community members that the Federal Government understood their anxiety and was committed to securing the victims’ release.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood.
“By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he added.
Responding to appeals by some parents and residents for caution during rescue operations, Gbajabiamila said security agencies would adopt a carefully coordinated approach.
“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,” he said.
The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the traditional ruler and the people of Ogbomoso over the incident.
In a further show of support, the team met with Mrs Mary Oyedokun, wife of the deceased teacher affected by the tragedy, and her two children.
Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family that they would not be abandoned.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen security in the area, secure the release of the abducted victims, and address concerns raised by affected communities.
