Nigeria’s federal government has approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State following a brutal attack on schools that left dozens of children kidnapped and a teacher dead. The decision comes after gunmen stormed three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15, abducting 39 pupils aged between two and 16, alongside seven teachers.
One of the teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed and beheaded during the нападение, sending shockwaves across the state and sparking renewed concerns over the safety of schools in rural areas.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the immediate deployment of forest guards tasked with securing vulnerable areas and supporting ongoing rescue efforts. The presidency also confirmed the formation of a specialised intervention team focused on intelligence gathering and hostage recovery.
The move followed a visit to Oyo by a high-level federal delegation led by the president’s Chief of Staff, signalling Abuja’s growing concern over the deteriorating security situation in parts of the southwest.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who met with families of the victims shortly after the attack, said efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted children were ongoing. “We are exploring all possible options, including negotiations where necessary, to ensure these children come back unharmed,” he said during a briefing in Ibadan.
However, the incident has triggered widespread outrage. The state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike, accusing authorities of failing to protect schools and educators. Classrooms across affected areas remain shut, as teachers demand stronger security guarantees before resuming duties.
In Ibadan, protests erupted days after the attack, with demonstrators taking to the streets to call for urgent government action. Many carried placards condemning the killings and urging both state and federal authorities to prioritize the safety of schoolchildren.
Security analysts say the attack reflects a broader pattern of armed groups exploiting forested regions as operational bases, complicating rescue missions and surveillance efforts. The newly approved forest guards are expected to work alongside existing security agencies to patrol these difficult terrains and disrupt criminal networks.
The abduction has also reignited debate over school safety protocols nationwide, particularly in rural communities where security presence is often limited. While authorities insist that efforts are underway to secure the release of the victims, families continue to wait anxiously for updates.
As pressure mounts on both Abuja and Oyo State leadership, the success of the newly announced measures may prove critical, not only for rescuing the abducted children but also for restoring public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its most vulnerable citizens.