Tinubu hails rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for securing their freedom after 56 days in captivity.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the security agencies for carrying out what he described as a military, police and intelligence-led operation that secured the release of the victims without collateral damage.

According to the statement, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were neutralised.

President Tinubu described the rescue as a major relief for the affected families and the nation, while lamenting the trauma the victims and their relatives endured during the period of captivity.

> “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. 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.

> “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,” the President said.

President Tinubu also praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue efforts and urged it to strengthen security around schools across the state.

He further directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with all necessary medical care and humanitarian support.