President Bola Tinubu on Sunday authorised the engagement of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State.
He also ordered a specialised security team equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to step up efforts aimed at securing the release of abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
This came as the Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State and unveiled plans for nationwide solidarity demonstrations to pressure authorities into rescuing the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a high-level Federal Government delegation delivered 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 local leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration and possible approval.
The development occurred 16 days after armed attackers invaded communities in the area and abducted dozens of schoolchildren and teachers.
The delegation was headed 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 stated.
Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to send the nation’s top security officials to the affected communities underscored his commitment to deploying all available resources toward securing the victims’ freedom.
“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 responded to appeals from parents and community members calling for caution during rescue operations.
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 further paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, at his palace.
They also separately visited the widow of the slain teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her two children, where Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s personal condolences and assured the family of government support.
Onanuga disclosed that the 1,000 forest guards approved by the President would be recruited in partnership with the Oyo State Government.
The abductions took place on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School — in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, abducting pupils and teachers.
During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, while a security operative lost his life after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during initial rescue efforts.
The Oriire communities are located along a forest corridor that the abductors have reportedly used as cover since carrying out the attack.
Security chiefs reassure communities
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser, Ribadu, assured residents that every effort would be made to secure the release of the victims.
“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 reiterated the President’s commitment to the forest guard initiative and urged local communities to work closely with security agencies.
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 spoke on behalf of the affected communities, linked the recurring incidents of abduction to the vast forest reserves in the area.
“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 those confirmed to be in captivity.
Days after the attack, videos surfaced showing the abducted school principal and a teacher making emotional appeals to President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerians to help secure their freedom, indicating that they were being held in difficult conditions and exposed to severe weather.
On Saturday, Makinde visited Ahoro Esiele and met with families of the victims at L.A. Basic School.
He appealed for patience and urged residents to avoid apportioning 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 convened security meetings twice daily since the incident and was working closely with security agencies to facilitate the victims’ rescue.
He praised the Western Security Network, Amotekun, whose personnel had lost their lives while confronting security threats across the state.
The husband of the abducted school principal, Professor Wole Alamu, had also appealed directly to Makinde, alongside Mrs Funmilayo Ojo, whose daughter-in-law and four grandchildren remain among the captives.
Mr Aliu Saidi, a relative of one of the victims, urged the authorities to do everything possible to secure the release of their loved ones.
Teachers withdraw services over continued captivity
In a related development, the Nigeria Union of Teachers on Sunday declared an indefinite strike involving all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State from Monday, June 1, 2026, citing the failure to secure the release of the victims despite repeated appeals.
The union directed teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the state to withdraw their services beginning today over the continued abduction of schoolchildren and teachers.
In a circular jointly signed by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Dr Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union expressed grave 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 deeply disturbed by reports of deaths among the victims and the emotional video messages released by the school principal and a teacher from captivity.
It stated that the prolonged detention of the victims, with no visible indication of an imminent rescue, left it with little option but to take action.
The union also directed all its state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, ending at various Government Houses where state NUT leaders would address journalists on the need for stronger 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 lawful avenues to secure the victims’ release 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 abductees.
Speaking on Sunday, Amba confirmed the directive, saying teachers had been instructed to remain 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 said.
A national circular dated May 29, 2026, and jointly signed by Amba and Ikpitibo formally communicated the directive to state branches of the union.
The circular instructed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026, until the abducted teachers and learners are safely released.
It also directed all state chapters to mobilise for nationwide solidarity rallies scheduled for June 2, 2026, with demonstrations expected to conclude at government houses, where union leaders would address the media.
According to the NUT, the rallies form part of broader efforts to demand safer learning environments across Nigeria.
The union expressed concern over what it described as the “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish conditions” under which abducted teachers and students are being held.
It noted that the victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area despite previous warnings and repeated calls for improved security in schools.
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 produce results, leaving families and the education community in prolonged distress.
It also referenced emotional appeals by affected school officials, urging urgent intervention by the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and other stakeholders to secure the victims’ release through lawful means.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State wing of the NUT 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 stated that the continued captivity of teachers and learners had “created fear, anxiety and disruption within the education sector, while also eroding public confidence in school safety.”
The state chapter urged members to remain law-abiding and stay at home while engagements continue with relevant authorities for the safe return of the abductees.
It also reaffirmed solidarity with victims and their families while calling for urgent and decisive measures to address insecurity in schools.
NAPPS rejects planned protest
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 advised its members against involvement in any form.
While acknowledging concerns over insecurity affecting schools and communities, NAPPS said such matters should be addressed through dialogue, engagement and cooperation with relevant authorities rather than public demonstrations.
The association also suggested that the planned protest appeared to be driven more by “political considerations than genuine humanitarian concerns,” adding that major education stakeholders such as NUT, TESCOM and others were not formally involved.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and safety of pupils, students, teachers and school proprietors, stressing that advocacy would continue through lawful and responsible channels.
NAPPS urged members to remain peaceful, law-abiding and focused on academic activities.
SERAP seeks UN intervention
For its part, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project urged the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter and draw the attention of the UN Security Council to Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
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, displacement and other serious 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 argued that the scale and persistence of the crisis have 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 designed 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 Convention demands stronger action
The Nigerian Baptist Convention has called on traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organisations to take a more active role in tackling 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, particularly because a two-year-old child, 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 deteriorating security situation in the country, noting that churches and schools have continued to face repeated attacks despite calls for decisive government intervention.
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 increasing 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 address insecurity, stressing the need for more robust and technology-driven responses from security agencies.
Akanji also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to become more proactive in confronting insecurity, insisting that local participation remains essential to achieving lasting solutions.
“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 nationwide.
He further urged the Federal Government to pursue international cooperation where necessary to curb the activities and infiltration of criminal elements.
The Convention sympathised with families of those killed during 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.
