IBADAN, Nigeria — Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered specialized security forces to rescue abducted students and teachers as the Nigeria Union of Teachers began an indefinite strike on June 1, 2026.
Okay News reports that Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated in a signed release that a federal delegation conveyed the directives during visits to Esiele and Yawota communities in the Oriire Local Government Area. The delegation included the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, taking pupils and teachers captive. During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded, while a motorcyclist and a security personnel were also killed. Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said, “Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely.”
Ribadu stated that the federal government would ensure an end is brought to the acts nationwide, describing the kidnapping of a two-year-old infant as evil. Musa confirmed the immediate recruitment of the 1,000 forest rangers and noted that other security requests by the people would be reviewed. The delegation also visited the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and delivered condolences to the widow of the slain teacher, Mary Oyedokun.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers directed public primary and secondary school teachers across the state to withdraw their services due to the ongoing captivity of their colleagues and students. In a circular signed by the national president, Audu Amba, and the secretary-general, Dr. Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union ordered the indefinite strike and announced solidarity rallies scheduled for June 2, 2026, terminating at various government houses nationwide. Salami Olukayode, the Oyo State secretary of the union, confirmed full compliance with the directive.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, visited Ahoro Esiele on May 30, 2026, to meet with victims’ families and urged communities to cooperate rather than trade blame between state and federal governments. The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, through its state president, Fajobi Olukunle, distanced itself from the protest rallies, stating that security issues should be addressed through dialogue and collaboration with authorities.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, through its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, sent a letter to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on May 30, 2026, requesting the invocation of Article 99 of the UN Charter over the security situation. The Nigerian Baptist Convention president, Rev. Israel Akanji, called on traditional and community leaders to take active roles, noting that seven teachers and 39 students, including a two-year-old child identified as Christianah Akanbi, were taken from Community High School and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. Akanji urged the federal government to explore international cooperation where necessary to curb the operations of criminal elements.
