…Tinubu Hails Security Forces, Vows Justice for Victims and Slain Civilian
Relief swept across Nigeria on Friday night as the abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
President Bola Tinubu expressed profound joy over the successful rescue operation, describing it as a major victory for the nation’s security agencies and a moment of relief for the affected families and the country.
The President commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as a painstaking, intelligence-driven operation that secured the safe release of all the victims without collateral damage.
According to the President, the operation also led to the arrest of eight members of the kidnap gang, while several others were neutralised during the rescue mission.
Tinubu said the successful operation had brought an end to the over 50-day ordeal suffered by the children, their teachers and their families.
“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.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu lamented the trauma endured by the victims, their families and the nation since the abduction, assuring Nigerians that those responsible for the crime would face the full weight of the law.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he declared.
The President also commended the Oyo State Government for collaborating closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts, describing the partnership as instrumental to the successful outcome of the operation.
He, however, urged the state government to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
Tinubu further directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical attention, psychological care and other relief support for the rescued children and their teachers as they begin the process of recovery.
The rescue brings to an end weeks of nationwide anxiety over the fate of the victims and is expected to boost public confidence in the ongoing security operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups across the country.