President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending security agencies for ending their 56-day captivity through a coordinated operation.
The President, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism and resilience in securing the victims’ freedom without any casualties. He also disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while others were neutralised.
Tinubu described the rescue as a major victory against criminal elements, noting that the successful operation had brought relief to the affected families and the entire nation after weeks of anxiety.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, 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 added that the operation had ended more than 50 days of uncertainty, expressing gratitude to the officers and men of the armed forces, intelligence agencies and the police for their commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.
President Tinubu also sympathised with the pupils, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the abduction, while assuring that justice would be served. He vowed that those responsible for the crime would face the full weight of the law, including those involved in the killing of Mr. Oyedokun during the incident.
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
He also directed relevant emergency agencies to work closely with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical care, psychological support and other relief assistance to the rescued children and teachers as they begin the process of recovery.
