Oyo rescue indication of Tinubu’s commitment to war against insecurity — Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, shows the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the war against insecurity
He described the development as a big relief.
The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were freed on Friday, more than 55 days after gunmen stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Sanwo-Olu made the commendation in a statement on Friday, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
The governor described the rescue as proof that the Federal Government was making progress in tackling insecurity across the country.
He commended the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for the coordinated operation that led to the victims’ release.
Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, and the people of Ogbomoso, saying the successful operation had restored hope not only to the affected families but also to residents across the South-West and the country at large.
“The rescue is a big relief and shows the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the war against insecurity.
“I commend the tireless efforts and resilience of our gallant security operatives who made this possible. I equally rejoice with the people of Oyo State, particularly the residents of Ogbomoso, on this great news,” he said.
The freed pupils and teacher. Photo: Bayo Onanuga
The freed pupils and teacher. Photo: Bayo Onanuga
The victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen suspected to be members of Ansaru attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and LA Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire council.
A teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was killed during the attack, while another teacher died in captivity after being beheaded by the kidnappers.
The kidnap sparked weeks of protests by teachers in Ogbomoso and a month-long teachers’ strike in the state, as residents and civil society groups mounted pressure on the government to secure the victims’ freedom.
The Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had announced the rescue on Friday, saying it followed a military, police and intelligence-driven operation.
He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are being held by the DSS, while several others were killed during the operation.
Onanuga said there was no ransom payment or concession to the abductors, noting that a gang leader whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remained in custody and was being prosecuted.
Makinde had earlier described the rescue as a big relief, thanking security commanders and Tinubu for the operation. He said the state government’s refusal to pay ransom throughout the ordeal had been vindicated.
More than 40 other schoolchildren, some as young as two, who were abducted from their schools in Borno State on the same day as the Oyo attack, remain in captivity.
