After 56 Days in Captivity, Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers Regain Freedom
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending security agencies for securing their release after 56 days in captivity.
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 what he described as a well-coordinated operation that led to the safe rescue of the victims without any collateral damage.
He also lauded the security agencies for arresting eight suspected abductors while neutralising others during the operation.
Tinubu acknowledged the trauma endured by the children, their teachers and their families since the abduction, describing the successful rescue as a major relief for the nation.
“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 Stressed
“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.”
The President assured the victims and their families that those responsible for the abduction and the killing of Mr. Oyedokun would face justice.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he said.
Tinubu also commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts.
“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he said.
The President further directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with the necessary medical care, relief materials and other support to aid their recovery.