Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has welcomed the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their release after 57 days in captivity as “a big relief.”
Speaking to Channels Television on Friday, the governor expressed gratitude to the security agencies and President Bola Tinubu for their roles in securing the victims’ freedom.
“It’s such a big relief for all of us and for those who have been waiting over the past 57 days,” Makinde said.
“I want to thank our service commanders, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, the high command and, of course, the President for pushing really hard to make this happen.
“Right now, I am overjoyed and cannot really say much. I will speak further when I can put my thoughts together,” he added.
Earlier on Friday, the Presidency announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued in a coordinated security operation.
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a post on X.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote.
He said eight suspected members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were killed.
According to Onanuga, the rescue was carried out without any concession to the abductors, including their demand for the release of a suspected gang leader who remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” he said.
A video shared by the Presidency showed one of the rescued teachers thanking President Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their release.
“Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and appreciate all you did for us. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you,” the teacher said.
