Gbajabiamila, Ribadu Visit Ogbomoso Over Abducted Pupils and Teachers

A presidential delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Sunday visited Ogbomoso in Oyo State following the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers by suspected bandits.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area. The assault reportedly resulted in the abduction of at least 45 pupils, students and teachers.

The delegation also included Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa. They met with community leaders as well as families of those still in captivity.

According to Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, the visit followed earlier directives by the president that led to the deployment of security forces and the commencement of rescue operations by the military.

The presidential visit came amid growing concern over the fate of the victims. On Friday, teachers and civil society groups staged a protest in Ibadan, demanding immediate government intervention to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

The demonstration was organised by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group in collaboration with the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC). Protesters expressed fears over the worsening security situation and warned that the safety of teachers and students across the state could no longer be taken for granted.

The abduction has sparked widespread outrage in Oyo State, with education stakeholders intensifying pressure on authorities to ensure the safe return of all those kidnapped.