…Eight kidnappers arrested, others killed
President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, commending security agencies for ending the 56-day hostage ordeal without casualties.
The President praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for the operation, which led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the killing of several others.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the rescue as a major success in the government’s fight against insecurity.
“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,” the President said.
He noted that the successful operation brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty for the victims, their 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,” Tinubu said.
The President thanked officers and men of the armed forces, intelligence agencies and the police for securing the victims’ release without collateral damage.
He also assured that those responsible for the abduction 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 said.
Tinubu 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.
He further directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical care, psychosocial support and other relief assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.
Earlier, the Presidency disclosed that the victims regained their freedom through sustained security operations, stressing that no ransom was paid and no prisoner exchange took place.
According to Onanuga, one of the terrorist kingpins whose release the abductors demanded remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his crimes.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 after heavily armed bandits attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident triggered nationwide outrage, prompting sustained calls for their rescue from parents, labour unions, traditional rulers and civil society organisations. It also led to an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State over growing insecurity in schools.
