By Ayomide Otitoju
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has assured families of teachers and students abducted in Oyo State that the Federal Government is committed to securing their safe rescue and return.
Gbajabiamila gave the assurance on Sunday during a visit to Ogbomosho, Oyo State, where he led a Federal Government delegation to meet with community leaders and relatives of victims abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Gbajabiamila conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reiterated the administration’s determination to ensure the victims are rescued safely.
“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.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives acknowledged the anxiety of affected families and communities, assuring them that their concerns were being taken seriously.
He also addressed appeals from parents and community members calling for caution in rescue efforts, stating that the operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated.
“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,” he said.
The visit comes amid heightened concern over the abduction, which has attracted both national and international attention.
In response to the incident, President Tinubu recently approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards as part of broader efforts to strengthen security and combat criminal activities in forested areas.
Members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; and the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, among other government officials.
