President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending the security agencies for what he described as a heroic operation that ended more than 50 days of captivity without collateral damage.
In a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu 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.
The President disclosed that the operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected abductors, while several others were neutralised during the intelligence-led mission.
He acknowledged the emotional trauma endured by the abducted children, their teachers, their families and Nigerians throughout the period of their captivity, describing the ordeal as a painful national experience.
“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.
According to him, the successful operation brought an end to over 50 days of uncertainty and anxiety for the affected families and the nation.
“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 added.
President Tinubu also assured that those responsible for the abduction and the killing of Mr. Oyedokun during the incident would face justice.
“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 commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation, describing the collaboration as instrumental to the successful outcome.
He further urged the state government to strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks on educational institutions.
In addition, Tinubu directed relevant emergency response agencies to work closely with the Oyo State Government to provide comprehensive medical care, psychosocial support and other relief assistance to the rescued children and their teachers as they recover from their ordeal.
The rescue marks the end of a 56-day hostage crisis that had generated widespread concern across the country, with sustained efforts by security agencies culminating in the safe return of the victims and renewed assurances by the Federal Government to intensify the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
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