Rescue of kidnap victims eases tension in Oyo State

The Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, Dr Nureni Adeniran has described the rescue of abducted teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area as great relief to the state’s education sector.

In a statement signed on Friday in Ibadan, Adeniran said the victims’ safe return had brought joy to their families, colleagues, classmates and all those who prayed for their freedom.

He thanked God for preserving the lives of the victims and making their reunion with their families possible after the traumatic experience.

The OYOSUBEB chairman congratulated teachers, learners, parents, school administrators and other education stakeholders across the state, saying their faith, resilience and hope had been rewarded with the victims’ release.

Adeniran also appreciated President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Seyi Makinde for their support and commitment throughout the rescue efforts.

He commended security agencies for what he described as their professionalism, dedication and sacrifice, attributing the successful rescue to their courage and patriotism.

The OYOSUBEB chairman also expressed gratitude to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, media practitioners and other Nigerians who supported the affected families through prayers, advocacy and encouragement during the period of captivity.

While rejoicing over the development, Adeniran called for sustained prayers for lasting peace and improved security across the country.

He reaffirmed the commitment of government and relevant stakeholders to ensuring that schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning.

“Once again, welcome home, our beloved teachers and pupils. The entire Oyo State education family is delighted to have you back safely,” he said.

In a related development, there was excitement in Egbeda community in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday evening, as residents celebrated the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

Also Read: Tinubu hails freedom for Oyo school children

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that hundreds of residents trooped out singing songs in praise of President Bola Tinubu and military operatives.

A cross-section of the residents who spoke with NAN commended Tinubu for living up to his promise to rescue the schoolchildren and teachers.

Mr. Femi Ademola, a commercial motorcycle operator, said the rescue of the children and their teachers by security operatives had further confirmed that the President cares about the safety of all citizens of Nigeria.

Ademola urged security agencies to sustain the tempo of rescuing other Nigerians in captivity of kidnappers.

Another resident, Mr. Bimbo Soyede, a Point-of-Sale operator, said the successful rescue operation by the security agencies calls for joy and celebration.

Soyede said the safe return of the children and their teachers was a thing of joy, urging government to put in place tight security across schools in the state, particularly areas that share boundaries with the Old Oyo National Park.

A nursing mother, Mrs. Janet Ajayi, who initially thought the news was a prank, commended President Tinubu for ensuring that all the teachers and the children were rescued unhurt.

Ajayi implored the president to prioritize the security of lives and property of Nigerians.

The 46 abducted teachers and pupils, taken captive on May 15 from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA, regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity.

Reports have it that eight of the suspected kidnappers were arrested by security operative while some others were neutralized.

NAN

Tags: Dr Nureni Adeniran Gov. Seyi Makinde Oriire Local Government Area Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board OYOSUBEB President Bola Tinubu