By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the police and other security agencies for the operation that secured their freedom after 56 days in captivity.
In a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the rescue as a major victory against criminal elements and praised the professionalism of the security agencies for ensuring the victims were freed without collateral damage.
The President noted that the security forces worked tirelessly through a coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation that resulted in the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised.
He also expressed sympathy for the victims, their families and the nation over the trauma and anxiety caused by the prolonged abduction.
“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.
“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 said.
Tinubu vowed that those responsible for the abduction would face justice, including for the killing of Mr. Oyedokun, who was murdered by the kidnappers during the ordeal.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he stated.
The President also commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts, describing the partnership as instrumental to the successful outcome of the operation.
He further urged the state government to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
In addition, Tinubu directed relevant emergency agencies to work closely with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with immediate medical attention, psychological care and other relief support to aid their recovery.
