President Bola Tinubu has reacted to the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo, expressing delight over the operation carried out by security agencies.
The President, in a statement on Friday, commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as their heroic efforts in securing the release of the victims after 56 days in captivity without collateral damage.
He also praised the security operatives for arresting eight of the suspected abductors while neutralising others during the rescue operation.
Tinubu, however, expressed regret over the trauma endured by the children, their teachers, their families and the nation during the period of their abduction.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, 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 led to 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.”
He added, “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.”
The President assured Nigerians that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed by the abductors.
“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 its collaboration 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 stated.
He further charged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
The President also directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with necessary medical care and other relief support.
