The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and security agencies for the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the rescue as a major relief for the affected families and the nation, praising the coordinated efforts of the federal government and security agencies.
He specifically commended President Tinubu, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army and Governor Makinde for their commitment and resilience, saying the successful operation had restored hope and comfort to the victims’ families.
The Speaker also rejoiced with the families of those rescued while extending condolences to families who lost loved ones during the ordeal, assuring them of the solidarity and prayers of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Obasa further applauded the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) for standing firmly with the abducted teachers throughout the period of captivity.
He recalled that members of the Lagos State Wing of the NUT had marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly on June 2, 2026, demanding urgent intervention while the victims remained in captivity, describing the action as a demonstration of unity within Nigeria’s education sector.
“This rescue is a reminder that when government institutions, security agencies and communities work hand in hand, we can overcome even the gravest challenges. May this victory inspire renewed commitment to the safety of our schools and the protection of our children,” Obasa said.
Similarly, NANS South-West Zone D described the rescue as the restoration of hope to devastated families and proof that coordinated security efforts could overcome criminality.
In an open letter signed by its Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, the student body commended President Tinubu for providing national leadership and support that facilitated the operation.
The association also praised the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for what it described as their professionalism, resilience, and patriotism.
“We acknowledge the courageous men and women who spent several days deep within difficult forests, enduring dangerous terrain, sleepless nights, and life-threatening conditions in pursuit of innocent children and their teachers. Nigeria owes these gallant officers a debt of gratitude,” the statement read.
NANS equally commended Governor Makinde for remaining actively engaged throughout the crisis, noting that his administration’s collaboration with federal security agencies reflected responsible and compassionate leadership.
The association also recognised the advocacy efforts of its National President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye, saying his consistent calls for the safe return of the abducted victims ensured the incident remained a national concern.
It further appreciated student leaders, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, religious institutions and the media for sustaining public attention on the abduction until the victims regained their freedom.
While celebrating the successful rescue, NANS appealed to the Federal Government to establish a special intervention programme for victims of terrorism and kidnapping.
The association urged the government to provide comprehensive psychological counselling, free medical treatment, educational support, scholarships for affected pupils and economic assistance for their families.
“Over the years, Nigeria has committed substantial public resources toward rehabilitation programmes for repentant insurgents. We believe equal, if not greater, attention should now be directed towards innocent victims of terrorism,” Adeyemo said.
He stressed that children who endured weeks in captivity, alongside teachers subjected to psychological trauma, deserved long-term rehabilitation and reintegration support.
NANS also maintained that the successful operation should send a strong message that the South-West would not become a safe haven for kidnappers and terrorists.
The association pledged continued collaboration with governments, security agencies and communities in promoting intelligence gathering, youth engagement and public sensitisation to strengthen security across the country.
“May this operation mark another decisive step towards ending terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across our nation,” the statement added.
