President Bola Tinubu on Sunday approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State.
He also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to free abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
This is as the Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State and announced plans for nationwide solidarity rallies to press the government for the rescue of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
According to a statement signed Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a high-powered Federal Government delegation conveyed the presidential directives to community leaders and lawmakers during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The delegation also informed leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been transmitted to the President for consideration and approval.
The development comes 16 days after gunmen struck communities in the area and took dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers captive.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu; Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (retd); and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, Onanuga said.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to dispatch the nation’s top security leadership to the affected communities reflected his determination to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release.
“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,” Gbajabiamila said.
He also addressed the appeals from parents and community members urging caution in the rescue operation.
The Chief of Staff explained, “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.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
The delegation also called on the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, at his palace to commiserate with the traditional ruler and his people.
They also held separate visits to the widow of the slain teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her two children where Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s personal condolences to the family and promised that they would not be left to suffer.
The 1,000 forest guards approved by the President will be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, Onanuga revealed.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools; Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, taking pupils and teachers captive.
During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, and a security personnel died after running into improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during early rescue attempts.
The Oriire LGA communities sit on the fringes of a forested belt that the abductors have exploited for cover since the attack.
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser, Ribadu, said no stone would be left unturned.
“We share in your pains and agonies. The perpetrators of this dastardly act are evil.
“The kidnapping of a two-year-old infant is nothing but evil.
“The Federal Government will ensure that an end is brought to this inglorious act nationwide,” he said.
Defence Minister Musa echoed the President’s commitment on the forest guards and called on local communities to collaborate actively with security forces.
Musa said, “Like the Chief of Staff said, President Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest rangers in Oyo. Other security requests by the people will be looked into.”
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, who earlier spoke on behalf of the community, linked the recurring abductions to the expansive forest reserves that armed groups continue to exploit as cover.
“The kidnappers are taking advantage of the vast forest reserve in the area to perpetrate evil. We need a military base in Oriire.
“Also, the government must do something about the mobile network service in the area,” the monarch said.
A two-year-old infant and a school principal are among the confirmed captives from the abductions.
Days after the attack, videos later emerged showing the abducted school principal and a teacher making emotional appeals to President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerians to help secure their release, with the captives indicating they were being held in harsh conditions and exposed to extreme weather.
On Saturday, Makinde had visited Ahoro Esiele and met with families of the victims at L.A. Basic School.
He appealed for understanding and urged communities not to trade blame between the state and federal governments.
Makinde told the gathering, “Don’t cry. I have come here because of you. You installed this government. I want to let you know that this government is responsible to you.
“By the grace of God and your cooperation, we will bring back our children and the teachers.
“This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers. I feel your pain, but have trust in us.”
The Governor said he had been holding security meetings twice daily since the abduction occurred and was working closely with security agencies to facilitate the victims’ safe return.
He commended the Western Security Network, Amotekun, whose operatives had lost lives in combating security challenges across the state.
Husband of the abducted school principal, Professor Wole Alamu, had also made appeals directly to Makinde as well as Mrs Funmilayo Ojo, whose daughter-in-law and four grandchildren are among the captives.
Mr Aliu Saidi, a relative of one of the victims, pleaded for the government to do everything possible to secure the return of their loved ones.
NUT declares strike
In a similar development, the Nigeria Union of Teachers on Sunday declared an indefinite strike of all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State beginning Monday (today), June 1, 2026, citing the failure to secure the victims’ release despite repeated appeals.
The NUT directed teachers in public primary and secondary schools in the state to withdraw their services from today over the continued abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state.
In a circular jointly signed by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Dr Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union expressed deep concern over the “horrifying, inhumane and traumatic conditions” being endured by the victims in captivity.
“The National Leadership has directed all Primary and Secondary School teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, 1st June, 2026, until the abducted teachers and students are safely released,” the statement read.
The union said it was particularly disturbed by reports of killings among the captives, as well as the emotional video appeals made by the school principal and a teacher from inside their captors’ den.
It said the prolonged captivity, with no clear indication of imminent rescue, left it with no choice but to act.
The union further directed all its state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, terminating at various Government Houses across the country, where state leaderships of the NUT would address journalists on the need for improved protection of schools, teachers and learners.
According to the union, “As a mark of solidarity, the national leadership has directed all state wings of the union to embark on solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to press home our demand for the unconditional release of the teachers and learners kidnapped in Oyo and other states of the federation.”
The NUT pledged to continue pursuing all lawful means to secure the release of the victims and renewed its call on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the immediate and unconditional release of all captives.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, Amba, confirmed the directive, saying teachers had been instructed to stay at home until further notice.
“We have directed all teachers in Oyo State to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday),” the NUT National President told The PUNCH.
A national circular dated May 29, 2026, and jointly signed by Amba and the Secretary General, Clinton Ikpitibo, formally conveyed the directive to state chapters of the union.
The circular ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026, until abducted colleagues and learners are safely released.
It also directed all state wings of the union to mobilise for nationwide solidarity rallies scheduled for June 2, 2026, with demonstrations expected to terminate at government houses, where union leaders will address the press.
According to the NUT, the rallies are part of broader efforts to demand safer learning environments across the country.
The union expressed deep concern over what it described as the “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish conditions” under which abducted teachers and students are being held.
It said the victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, despite earlier warnings and repeated calls for improved school security.
The union recalled its earlier statement titled “Stop the Attacks on Schools, Teachers and Learners Now – Not Until We Perish,” noting that it had warned of a possible withdrawal of services if authorities failed to secure the release of abducted members.
According to the NUT, repeated appeals to government and security agencies have yet to yield results, leaving families and the education community in prolonged distress.
It also cited emotional appeals from affected school officials, urging urgent intervention by the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and other stakeholders to secure the release of the abductees through lawful means.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State wing of the NUT has confirmed full compliance with the directive.
In a circular dated May 31, 2026, and signed by State Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the union formally announced the withdrawal of services by teachers in public schools across the state.
It said the continued detention of teachers and learners had “created fear, anxiety and disruption within the education sector, while also eroding public confidence in school safety.”
The state wing urged members to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home while engagements continue with relevant authorities for the safe return of the abductees.
It also reaffirmed solidarity with victims and their families, calling for urgent and decisive action to address insecurity in schools.
NAPPS shuns rally
Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Oyo State chapter, has distanced itself from the planned protest rally.
In a statement signed by its president, Fajobi Olukunle, the association said it would not participate in the protest and urged its members not to be involved in any form.
While acknowledging concerns over insecurity affecting schools and communities, NAPPS said such issues should be addressed through dialogue, engagement and collaboration with relevant authorities rather than street protests.
The association also suggested that the planned demonstration appeared to be influenced more by “political considerations than genuine humanitarian concerns,” adding that key education stakeholders such as NUT, TESCOM and others were not formally involved.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of pupils, students, teachers and school owners, stressing that advocacy would continue through lawful and responsible channels.
NAPPS urged its members to remain peaceful, law-abiding and focused on academic responsibilities.
SERAP laments abductions
For its part, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter and bring Nigeria’s worsening insecurity to the attention of the UN Security Council.
In an open letter dated May 30, 2026, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, marked by mass abductions, killings, attacks on civilians, mass displacement and other grave human rights violations, now requires urgent international attention.
SERAP said, “Nigeria’s escalating insecurity and grave human rights violations are reflected in repeated abductions, killings, attacks on civilians, and mass displacement in Oyo, Benue, Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, and several other parts of the country.”
The organisation stated that the scale and persistence of the crisis had implications beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“The scale, persistence, and regional implications of the insecurity and grave human rights crisis in Nigeria pose a threat to international peace and security and risk aggravating existing threats in the region,” the letter stated.
According to SERAP, Article 99 of the UN Charter was created for situations requiring urgent preventive diplomacy and coordinated international action.
“Article 99 of the UN Charter is designed precisely for situations in which emerging or ongoing crises require urgent preventive diplomacy, sustained international scrutiny, and coordinated international action,” it said.
Baptist Church grieves
The Nigerian Baptist Convention has called on traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organisations to take more active roles in addressing insecurity across the country, following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
The President of the Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, made the call in a statement on Saturday while reacting to the kidnapping of seven teachers and 39 students from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
Akanji described the incident as heartbreaking, especially given that a two-year-old child, identified as Christianah Akanbi, was among those abducted.
“The Nigerian Baptist Convention is particularly grieved by the condition of the children and the toddler who are being held captive in the bush and exposed daily to rainfall and harsh weather without any shelter or cover,” he said.
The Baptist leader lamented the worsening security situation in the country, noting that churches and schools had continued to come under repeated attacks despite calls for decisive government action.
He recalled the 2021 abduction of 121 students and staff of Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State, describing the latest incident as another painful reminder of the growing vulnerability of educational institutions.
“Despite repeated calls and efforts to end these incessant abductions, killings and destruction of churches and property, the situation continues to worsen rather than improve. Nigerians, particularly the Church, are running out of patience and cannot continue to watch while lives and properties are being wasted daily,” Akanji said.
He urged governments at all levels to adopt coordinated and sustainable measures to tackle insecurity, stressing the need for more robust and technology-driven responses from security agencies.
Akanji also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to take a more proactive stance against insecurity, insisting that local participation remains critical to any lasting solution.
“Local ownership of security is critical at this time. Traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society leaders must rise forcefully against this menace so that the burden does not rest on government alone,” he said.
The cleric renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would significantly strengthen efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and insurgency across the country.
He further urged the Federal Government to explore international cooperation where necessary to curb the influx and operations of criminal elements.
The Convention commiserated with families of those killed in the attack and expressed hope for the safe return of all abducted victims.
“We call on all Baptists and Nigerians of goodwill to intensify prayers for the quick and safe release of all captives and for lasting peace in our nation,” Akanji added.
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