President Bola Tinubu on Friday expressed delight over the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending security agencies for their role in securing their freedom after nearly two months in captivity.
The President also directed emergency response agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing medical care and other relief assistance to the rescued victims.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force for their efforts, which led to the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers.
He noted that the operation brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty for the affected families and the nation.
“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.
“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 expressed sympathy for the victims and their families over the trauma experienced during the period of captivity, assuring that justice would be pursued against those responsible for the abduction.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he stated.
The President also commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation 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.
Tinubu further directed relevant emergency agencies to work closely with the state government to ensure that the rescued pupils and teachers receive the medical attention, rehabilitation and other support necessary for their recovery.
