President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, describing their release as a source of relief for their families and the nation.
The President’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the successful operation carried out by security forces after 56 days in captivity.
Tinubu praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police for sustaining the rescue mission that secured the victims’ freedom without harm. He also lauded the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while others involved in the crime were neutralised during the operation.
The President expressed sadness over the trauma endured by the children, their teachers, their families and other Nigerians since the abduction, describing the incident as a painful experience.
He also praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue mission and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to safeguard pupils, teachers and other members of the school community.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, 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.
He said, “My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.
“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end.”
Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with the medical care and relief assistance required for their recovery.