RismadarVoice Reporters, June 1, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered intensified rescue operations for abducted pupils and teachers following the mass kidnapping of schoolchildren and education workers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Federal Government’s intervention came as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) declared an indefinite strike across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State beginning Monday, demanding urgent action to secure the release of the victims and strengthen school safety.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a high-level delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited affected communities on Sunday and conveyed President Tinubu’s directives.
The delegation included top security officials such as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.).
Gbajabiamila assured residents that all available federal resources were being deployed to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, stressing that rescue efforts would remain intelligence-driven to minimise risks.
The abductions, which occurred on May 15, involved attacks on three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities, leaving dozens of pupils and teachers in captivity. The incident also resulted in fatalities, including a teacher and security personnel.
Meanwhile, the NUT announced that teachers would withdraw services indefinitely until the abducted learners and educators regain freedom. The union also directed state chapters nationwide to hold solidarity rallies on June 2 to press for improved protection of schools and stronger government intervention.
The crisis has continued to draw reactions from religious bodies, civil society groups, and community leaders, with renewed calls for stronger security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained efforts to protect educational institutions.
