*Oyo Govt Describes Victims’ Release As Victory For Principled Leadership
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has expressed joy over the rescue of the students and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Council of Oyo State on Friday, July 10, by a combined team of security operatives.
Tinubu commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), other security agencies and vigilante for securing the victims’ release after 56 days in captivity.
The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, praised the security agencies for rescuing the victims without collateral damage, and for arresting eight suspected kidnappers and neutralising others during the operation, assuring the victims and their families that all those responsible for the crime would face justice.
According to Tinubu: “My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.”
He sympathised with the rescued schoolchildren, teachers, their families and Nigerians over the trauma caused by the abduction, noting: “I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire after a military, Police and intelligence-driven operation.”
The President described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism, adding: “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.”
Tinubu thanked members of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and the Police for their professionalism and sacrifice, and the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the operation.
He directed emergency agencies to work with the state government to provide medical care, counselling and other relief support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
On its part, the Oyo State Government described the rescue as a victory for resilience and principled leadership.
The government, in a statement in Ibadan by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, expressed gratitude that the victims had regained their freedom after weeks in captivity, adding that their release marked a significant test of the government’s resolve against criminal elements.
Oyelade said government remained committed to resisting the payment of ransom despite pressure to adopt what it described as a “quick-fix” approach, noting that by refusing to throw money at bandits to secure a temporary solution, the Governor Seyi Makinde administration had demonstrated courage and a long-term commitment to tackling kidnapping and banditry.
The commissioner stated that yielding to ransom demands would only encourage criminals and strengthen their operations, adding that the administration’s approach reflected its determination to confront insecurity through pragmatic and sustainable measures, rather than actions that could embolden criminal gangs seeking to destabilise the country.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents, while continuing to work with security agencies to rid the state of kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Makinde, speaking on a television programme, described the release of the victims after days in captivity as “a big relief” for their families and the people of the state.
The governor personally thanked the President and security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom, noting: “It’s such a big relief for all of us and for those waiting, you know, for this past 57 days. It’s a big relief for all of us.
“We’ll use the opportunity to say thank you to our service commanders, Nigerian Police, DSS, military and high command and, of course, the President, for pushing really hard to have this done.
“I’m just right now overjoyed and I cannot say much. I will talk much later when I can put my thoughts together.
“Congratulations again, and my goodwill and my congratulations to the government and people of Oyo State.”
