Tinubu approves 1,000 forest guards after school abductions

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed a specialized security unit to intensify rescue efforts following the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in the state. The measures were announced on Sunday, May 31, 2026, by a high-level federal delegation during a visit to the affected communities of Esiele and Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area.

The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed. A motorcyclist and a security operative also lost their lives during early rescue attempts after the operative ran into improvised explosive devices.

The presidential delegation was led by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare. The team conveyed President Tinubu's deep concern and commitment to securing the victims'...