By our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending the security agencies for what he described as a professionally executed operation.
The President praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for their coordinated efforts, which led to the safe rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected abductors, while several others were neutralised, with no casualties recorded among the rescued victims.
President Tinubu expressed regret over the trauma endured by the children, their teachers, their families, and the nation since the abduction, describing the successful rescue as a major relief.
“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 noted that the operation ended more than 50 days of anxiety and uncertainty, while commending the dedication and professionalism of the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and the police.
The President also pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the rescued victims and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed by the abductors during the incident.
Tinubu further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
In addition, the President directed emergency response agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing the rescued children and teachers with the necessary medical care, psychosocial support, and other relief services to aid their recovery.
The successful rescue marks the end of a prolonged security operation that had attracted nationwide concern over the safety of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
