President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire community, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending the security agencies for their coordinated operation that secured the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for their sustained efforts, which led to the safe rescue of the victims without collateral damage.
According to the statement, the operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during the security operation.
President Tinubu acknowledged the trauma endured by the abducted children, their teachers, their families and the nation throughout the period of their captivity.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.
He described the successful operation as a major relief for the country, noting that it brought an end to the more than 50-day ordeal suffered by the victims and their families.
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers,” Tinubu stated.
The President assured Nigerians that those responsible for the abduction would be brought to justice, including those involved in the killing of Mr. Oyedokun during the incident.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he added.
Tinubu also commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts, describing the partnership as instrumental to the successful outcome of the operation.
He further urged the state government to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In addition, the President directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with the necessary medical care, psychosocial support and other relief assistance to aid their recovery.
The rescue marks the end of weeks of anxiety following the abduction, which had sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for enhanced security measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
