President Bola Tinubu on Friday hailed the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity, praising security agencies for what he described as a successful intelligence-led operation.
The victims regained their freedom following a joint operation involving the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, during which eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were killed.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the operation as a major breakthrough, saying it ended weeks of anxiety for the victims’ families and the nation.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers. My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” Tinubu said.
The President also commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and directed relevant agencies to provide the victims with medical care, psychosocial support and other assistance.
Onanuga disclosed that the arrested suspects were in the custody of the DSS, dismissing reports that the victims were freed through a prisoner swap.
According to him, the alleged kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
The Oyo State Government also confirmed the victims’ release, describing it as a triumph of resilience and coordinated security efforts.
Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the government remained firm in its refusal to pay ransom, insisting that yielding to kidnappers would only embolden criminal groups.
He reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to tackling insecurity through sustainable measures rather than negotiating with criminals.
The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident drew nationwide outrage after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed in captivity, prompting protests and an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State.
Reacting to the development, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, commended President Tinubu and the security agencies for securing the victims’ release.
He described the operation as a major victory against criminality and urged security agencies to ensure that all those involved in the abduction were arrested and prosecuted.
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