Tinubu Dispatches Ribadu to Ogbomoso as Pressure Mounts Over Oriire School Kidnap Victims
More than two weeks after the shocking abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, and less than 24 hours after Governor Seyi Makinde personally visited affected families in Ogbomoso, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally taken a visible federal step by sending the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to lead a high-powered delegation to the community.
The delegation, which arrived in Ogbomoso on Saturday, included some of Nigeria’s top security and government officials, among them the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, Olatunji Disu, the Minister of Defence, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. The team met with community leaders, religious stakeholders, and families of the abducted pupils and teachers as efforts continue to secure the release of those still being held captive.
The visit comes amid growing public outrage and anxiety over the fate of the victims, who were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed kidnappers attacked schools in the Yawota and Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The attack affected Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, resulting in the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers. Reports indicate that at least 45 individuals were initially taken by the attackers, while one of the abducted teachers was later reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
The federal delegation’s arrival followed Governor Seyi Makinde’s visit to Ogbomoso earlier on Saturday, where he met with the families of the victims and assured them that his administration was working tirelessly to secure the safe return of all those still in captivity. During the meeting, the governor appealed for patience and cooperation, urging residents not to politicize the tragedy or engage in blame games between the federal and state governments.
Makinde stressed that the rescue mission remains the priority and disclosed that he has been holding regular security meetings since the abduction occurred. He also commended security agencies, including the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, for their sacrifices and continued commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The prolonged captivity of the victims has triggered widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond. In recent days, teachers and residents in Ogbomoso staged peaceful protests, demanding urgent government intervention and stronger security measures to protect schools and rural communities from recurring attacks. The incident has renewed calls for improved intelligence gathering, enhanced rural policing, and stronger collaboration between federal and state security agencies.
For many observers, Ribadu’s visit represents the strongest indication yet that the Federal Government is responding directly to mounting pressure from affected families, community leaders, and concerned Nigerians. While President Tinubu had earlier promised that security agencies would work to secure the release of the victims, critics argued that the federal response appeared slow given the magnitude of the incident and the number of children involved.
The arrival of the National Security Adviser and other top officials has now raised hopes among residents that a breakthrough may be imminent. Families of the abducted pupils and teachers continue to wait anxiously for positive news, while security agencies intensify ongoing operations aimed at locating and rescuing the victims.
As the crisis enters its third week, residents of Ogbomoso and the wider Oyo State community remain united in their demand for one outcome: the safe and immediate return of every abducted child and teacher to their families.Source: Reports on the federal delegation's visit, including the presence of NSA Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, the Defence Minister, and the President's Chief of Staff, were confirmed on May 31, 2026.
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