President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire community, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending security agencies for securing their freedom after more than 50 days in captivity.
The President praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as a coordinated operation that led to the safe rescue of the victims without collateral damage.
According to the Presidency, the operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected abductors, while several others were neutralised during the mission.
Reacting to the development, Tinubu acknowledged the emotional trauma endured by the victims, their families and Nigerians since the abduction occurred 56 days ago.
“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 described the rescue as a significant breakthrough, saying it had ended weeks of anxiety for the affected families and the country.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The President assured that those responsible for the abduction would face justice, including over the killing of Mr. Oyedokun, who was 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.
Tinubu also commended the Oyo State Government for collaborating closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts.
“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he added.
The President further directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with necessary medical care, psychosocial support and other relief assistance.
He also urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security measures around schools across the state to prevent similar incidents in the future.
