The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping, saying the Federal Government’s approach has changed the trajectory of efforts to curb the crime.
The Punch reported that Ladoja made the remarks on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The visit was aimed at appreciating the Federal Government’s intervention in addressing insecurity in Oyo State, particularly after the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Images and videos from the meeting, which have since circulated widely on social media, showed discussions focused on the security situation in Oyo State and strategies to prevent a recurrence of kidnapping.
Notably, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Hakeem Owoade, was absent from the meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Oyo Obas, Ladoja applauded Tinubu’s refusal to negotiate with kidnappers through ransom payments, describing the policy as a demonstration of decisive leadership.
He said, “We wish you well, Mr President; we (Council of Oyo Obas) feel it is important to come and say thank you to you. When we had the problem of the kidnapping, this was the first major one in Oyo State, we were apprehensive, we said what was the Federal Government and Oyo State Government doing?
“But we have now seen that, working with your security forces, you have made a turning point on the issue of kidnapping in Nigeria. Your decision not to pay ransom and to stand firm shows that we have a government that knows what it is doing.
“We cannot thank you enough for the feat. It was a big feat because the people of Oyo State almost thought the situation was going to be another Chibok. And whether it will be a perennial issue. Let me also advise that you should not please abandon the forest. You have been able to send the kidnappers away. Let us have the presence of security agencies there. It is a forest that extends to Niger State. It is meant to be a reserve. If we are able to secure the place, it means that Oyo State is secured.”
The traditional ruler also urged the President to maintain the ongoing military and security operations within the forest corridor linking Oyo and Niger states, stressing that a sustained security presence would help prevent criminal elements from regrouping.
Ladoja’s commendation followed recent remarks by Tinubu, who disclosed that the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued without the payment of ransom.
According to the President, the Federal Government rejected pressure to negotiate with the kidnappers, maintaining that paying ransom would only strengthen criminal groups and encourage more abductions.
Tinubu explained that security agencies relied on intelligence-driven operations, tracking the kidnappers’ network and arresting members of their families and collaborators to mount pressure on the abductors.
He said the strategy ultimately forced the kidnappers to free the victims without receiving any payment, describing the operation as a major success in the campaign against kidnapping and terrorism.
The victims regained their freedom in July after spending about 56 days in captivity. Their rescue followed coordinated operations involving the military, intelligence agencies and the police, during which eight suspects were arrested and several others were killed.
