The Presidency has rejected claims that the Federal Government was slow in responding to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, defended the government's actions during a television interview on Tuesday, June 2.
Dare stated that President Tinubu condemned the incident within 24 hours and activated all security agencies to mobilize resources for the rescue of the victims. He emphasized that the response was not delayed, as senior security officials, including Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu, personally visited the affected communities within 48 hours to engage with local leaders, hunters, and families.
According to Dare, the President ordered both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to address insecurity in Oriire Local Government Area. Special rescue units, troops, and military equipment have been deployed, and security cordons have been established around the affected locations to support ongoing rescue operations.
Dare also disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and supported the establishment of a military base in the area as part of broader security measures. He noted that rescue operations require discretion and that not all details can be made public due to operational sensitivity.
Addressing concerns about insecurity in Ogbomoso, Dare described the kidnappings as isolated incidents linked to the difficult terrain of the Old Forest Reserve, a vast forest belt spanning multiple states. He highlighted the government's infrastructure and security interventions in the region, including the Oyo-Ogbomoso road project, which has progressed from 60% to 87% completion under the current administration.
Dare rejected claims that the interventions were reactive, insisting that the Tinubu administration has consistently demonstrated commitment to addressing insecurity nationwide. He referenced ongoing military operations in states such as Yobe, Borno, Niger, and Kwara, saying security forces continue to apply pressure on armed groups despite operational challenges.
When asked to rate the President's performance on security, Dare acknowledged ongoing challenges but affirmed that the government is confronting them. He also defended the administration's economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange-rate reforms, arguing that they are yielding long-term benefits such as increased non-oil revenue and export growth.
