- Safiu Kehinde
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has led a Federal Government delegation to Oyo state for a meeting with families of kidnapped teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
This is coming two weeks after suspected terrorists stormed Ahoro-Esinele Community High School abducting teachers and students of the school.
NPO Reported that the insurgents advanced to Yaota Baptists Nursery School and LA Nursery and Primary School where more teachers and their pupils were also abducted.
The victims had since been held in captivity.
Amid calls for the release of the students and teachers, President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday sent the delegation who arrived in Ogbomoso around 3pm to meet the families of the kidnap victims.
Members of the delegation led by Ribadu include Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; Defence Minister, Christopher Musa; Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegb; and presidential media aide, Sunday Dare.
Addressing the aggrieved families on arrival, the delegation conveyed Tinubu’s deep concern over the incident and his commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
They also announced that the President has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government.
The delegation, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to Tinubu for consideration and approval.
Also disclosed by the delegation was the president’s approval of a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
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 towards securing 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.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.
“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,” The Chief of Staff said as quoted by Onanuga.
The delegation was also at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and his people.
They also met with the wife of the deceased school Teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun and her two children.
Meanwhile, delegation arrived barely 24 hours after the state governor, Seyi Makinde paid a condolence visit to the aggrieved families.
Makinde had during the visit assured them of ongoing efforts to ensure the safe rescue of all the victims.