President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have commended Nigeria’s security agencies following the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire, were rescued alive during a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. According to the Presidency, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were neutralised during the operation, which was carried out without any exchange or concession to the abductors’ demands.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the operation as a major success that brought relief to the affected families and the nation. He praised the professionalism and courage of the armed forces, intelligence agencies and the police, saying the rescue had ended more than 56 days of uncertainty and anguish.
The President also expressed sadness over the killing of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, while in captivity, assuring that justice would be served. He further commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the state government in providing medical care, psychological support and other relief services for the rescued pupils and teachers.
Reacting to the development, Governor Seyi Makinde described the victims’ freedom as “a big relief” for their families and the people of Oyo State. Speaking during a telephone interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the governor thanked President Tinubu, the military, the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their relentless efforts in securing the release of the victims.
The Presidency disclosed that the operation was intelligence-driven and that the abductors failed in their demand for the release of one of their detained kingpins, who is currently facing prosecution. The eight arrested suspects are now in the custody of the DSS for further investigation, while security agencies are expected to provide more details on the operation in due course.
Following their rescue, some of the freed pupils and teachers expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the security personnel for ensuring their safe return. In a video released by the Presidency, one of the victims thanked the President for his commitment to their safety and commended the security operatives whose efforts made their reunion with their families possible.
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