President Bola Tinubu on Friday hailed the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, after 56 days in captivity, commending the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force for the operation.
The President said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue mission, while several others were neutralised, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity and a source of relief to the victims, their families and the country.
Tinubu’s commendation was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He expressed sympathy for the pupils, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the nearly two-month ordeal, assuring them that his administration would ensure those responsible for the crime faced justice.
“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 added, “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.”
Tinubu vowed that his administration would prosecute those behind the abduction, including those responsible for the killing of one of the teachers, Mr Oyedokun.
“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.
The President also commended the Oyo State Government for working closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation.
“I must commend the Government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he added.
Tinubu further directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with immediate medical attention, psychosocial support and other relief assistance to aid their recovery.
He also urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools to forestall similar incidents in the future.
