The Federal Government has indicated it’s readiness to adopt kinetic and non kinetic measures to secure the release of the 45 kidnapped teachers and students of public and private schools in Ahoro Esienle in Oriire local government area of Oyo state.
Armed bandits had on Friday, May 15, 2026 launched attacks on four communities in the Oriire local government where a teacher and another person were killed, while 46 others including 39 students and 7 teachers were abducted and held captive. One of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher was three days after decapitated following gun battle against them by the Military.
The Federal government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on Sunday visited the parents of the kidnapped students, as well as, the bereaved families of the slain teachers in Ahoro Esienle where the decision to secure rescue of the kidnapped was revealed.
Gbajabiamila who was moved to tears while delivering the message of Tinubu, disclosed that government would adopt both kinetic and non kinetic measures where necessary. According to him, “Mr. President has been monitoring the trend of the event relating to the kidnapping of students and teachers in Orirre local government.
President Tinubu shared in your griefs. You are not alone in the situation. The rest of the Country are with you.
“President Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 Forest Rangers to secure the various Forest Reserves in Oyo State. The approval takes immediate effect. Also, your request on the establishment of Military Base in Oriire local government is being noted by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and Minister of Defence Lt. General Christopher Musa.
“Also the request for the perimeter fencing of the vulnerable schools especially those that share boundary with the Forest Reserves will be looked into. The development is giving President Tinubu sleepless nights. That is why he sends the powerful delegation. Mr President said I should tell you that your children will come back to you alive”, Gbajabiamila said.
In his address, the NSA said no stone would be left unturned at ensuring the safe return of the kidnapped students and teachers. According to him, “We share in your pains and agonies. The perpetrators of the dastardly act are evil.
“The kidnapping of two-year old infant is nothing but evil. The Federal government will ensure that an end is brought to the inglorious act nationwide.”
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, Rtd General Musa, called for the active collaboration of the natives in bringing an end to banditry and other vices. According to him, ‘Like earlier said by the Chief of Staff, President Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest rangers in Oyo state. Also other requests by the people on security will be looked into”.
Earlier in his address, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, called for the establishment of Military Base in the area. To him, “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.
