Relief, Jubilation Greet Release of Abducted Students and Teachers in Oyo State
After 56 days in captivity in the dense bushes of Old Oyo National Park, more than 46 abducted people, including students and teachers, were released on Friday evening, sparking relief and jubilation...
After 56 days in captivity in the dense bushes of Old Oyo National Park, more than 46 abducted people, including students and teachers, were released on Friday evening, sparking relief and jubilation across Nigeria.
Oyo State erupted in celebration from the moment the news broke yesterday evening until late into the night, as residents welcomed the release of the captives. As usual, political figures sought to claim some credit for the pupils’ release, even though they should have prevented the abduction in the first place.
It was gathered that the Nigerian Army executed a joint intelligence-led operation with the State Security Service (DSS/SSS), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Nigeria Police Force.
The security forces cornered the Boko Haram/Ansaru-linked terrorists inside the corridor of the old Oyo National Park, where it is believed the victims were being held. In the operations, several terrorists were neutralised during the gun battles, and eight suspects were arrested and taken into DSS custody.
The Federal Government announced the release of the schoolchildren and teachers in a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Friday, disclosing that the victims of the abduction were freed through the efforts of the security agencies after a face-off between them and the bandits.
He further stated that the security operatives, which included the military, police and the Department of State Services, worked together, adding that there was no form of exchange or concession which would require negotiation with the kidnappers, as eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.
“I’m overjoyed,” Says Governor Seyi Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the release of the abducted pupils and teachers as a big relief for all Nigerians.
Makinde, while speaking on Channels Television last night, said Nigerians have been waiting for the past 57 days for such a day, adding that it is nothing but a great relief for everybody. “I’m overjoyed and can hardly say much for now,” said the governor.
The governor praised the security agencies for the successful operation and said President Bola Tinubu also deserved commendation. Still elated by the release, he said he needed some time to gather his thoughts.
President Tinubu’s Disappointment
In the statement by Mr Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his disappointment with the abduction, stating that “President Tinubu regretted the anguish that the children and their teachers, as well as members of their families and the entire nation, have experienced since the sad occurrence.
“For cooperating with the Federal Government in all rescue efforts, President Tinubu commended the Oyo State Government and charged it to ensure adequate security around schools across the state.
“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.
“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.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.
“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” the President said.
“President Tinubu has also directed that the emergency agencies work with the Oyo State Government to provide all necessary medical and relief support to the children and the teachers,” he said.
Oyo State Government Says No Ransom Was Paid
A statement issued by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the government expressed gratitude that the victims had regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.
According to the statement, “We are happy to report to our people in Oyo State that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity.”
Prince Oyelade said the successful release marked a significant test of its resolve against criminal elements, stressing that it remained committed to resisting the payment of ransom despite pressure to adopt what it described as a “quick fix” approach.
Oyelade stated that by refusing to throw money at bandits to secure a temporary solution, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration had demonstrated courage and a long-term commitment to tackling kidnapping and banditry.
He noted that yielding to ransom demands would only encourage criminals and strengthen their operations.
The Commissioner added that the administration’s approach reflected its determination to confront insecurity through pragmatic and sustainable measures, rather than through actions that could embolden criminal gangs seeking to destabilise the country.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents while continuing to work with security agencies to rid Oyo State of kidnapping and other criminal activities.
In a video, the abducted vice principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government (Oyo State), Mrs. Folawe Rachael Alamu and dozens of her staff and students who were freed after a prolonged period in captivity, were seen thanking the president for their release.
She also appreciated the president stating that “Hello, sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the Vice Principal said.
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