Oyo rescue operation: Tinubu lauds security operatives, vows justice for abducted victims, slain teacher

President Bola Tinubu has commended security operatives over the rescue of the children and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Tinubu praised the heroic efforts of the security agencies, especially the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police, for working round the clock in the last 56 days to secure the release of the abducted children and their teachers “without any collateral damage” and for arresting eight of the abductors and neutralising others.

A statement issued on Friday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, quoted the president as regretting the anguish that the children and their teachers, as well as members of their families and the entire nation, have experienced since the sad occurrence.

Tinubu also commended the Oyo State Government for cooperating with the federal government in all rescue efforts and charged it to ensure adequate security around schools across the state.

Tinubu said: “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.

8 kidnappers arrested, others killed in Oyo rescue operation — Presidency

“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.”

The president also vowed that his administration will ensure justice for the pupils, teachers, and families affected by the abduction, including the family of a teacher murdered by the kidnappers.

Tinubu added: “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 that the emergency agencies work with the Oyo State Government to provide all necessary medical and relief support to the children and the teachers.