By our reporter 1.6.2026
Almost three weeks after 46 students and three teachers were kidnapped and one of the teachers reportedly beheaded by bandits, President Bola Tinubu’s government has been stung into action by stinging criticism by Nigerians.
Students some as young as two years old were taken from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
On Sunday President Tinubu announced that 1000 forest guards and specialised units would be deployed into the bushes to search and rescue the kids.
This was made known by a high-powered government delegation who visited the communities on Sunday, they include Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Chief of Staff to President, National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) and Sunday Dare a special adviser on media and public communications. and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
They also met the family of the slain teacher Michael Oyedokun and promised his widow and children government will ensure they don’t suffer from the tragic loss of their bread winner
“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident,” said a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s spokesperson.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Oyo State has embarked on a strike to protest the continued abduction of the students and teachers.
In a statement signed by the NUT Oyo State Wing Chairman, Hassan Fatai, and Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the union said the prolonged captivity of the abductees has created fear and anxiety among teachers and disrupted confidence in the school system.
Oyo teachers protesting...bring our students back.