Abducted Oyo pupils, teachers regain freedom

The pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending more than 50 days in captivity, with President Bola Tinubu commending security agencies for the successful rescue operation.

The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that all the victims had been rescued.

In a video released by the Presidency after their rescue, the victims expressed gratitude to Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.

“We are grateful, Mr President, sir. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see it in your heart. Thank you very much,” one of the rescued victims said.

The victim also praised the security personnel involved in the operation.

“Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive now. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much. God bless you, sir,” the victim added.

In a statement issued by Onanuga, Tinubu hailed the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as a successful intelligence-led operation that secured the victims’ release without collateral damage.

The President disclosed that the operation also led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while others were neutralised.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists and led to the arrest of eight of them,” Tinubu said.

He noted that the operation brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty for the victims, their families and the nation.

The President also commended the Oyo State Government for collaborating with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and urged it to strengthen security around schools across the state.

Tinubu further pledged that those responsible for the abduction would face justice, including the killers of Mr Oyedokun, the teacher reportedly murdered during the incident.

“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 directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, trauma support and other relief assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.