President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate deployment of 1,000 Oyo State Forest Guards as part of efforts to strengthen security in the affected communities and improve surveillance of vulnerable forest areas.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this when he led a high level delegation to Ahoro- Esinele in Oriire local government to meet families of victims who where abducted by unidentified men.
He assured residents that coordinated efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, also confirmed that security agencies are working in synergy to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims unhurt. He appealed to residents to remain calm and continue to support ongoing operations with useful information.
Meanwhile, more than two weeks after the attack, schools in the affected communities remain largely deserted as families continue to wait anxiously for news of their loved ones.
Residents say while the increased security presence offers some reassurance, they insist that a permanent security structure, including a possible military base in the area, is necessary to prevent a repeat of such attacks.