President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The President commended the efforts of the nation’s security agencies, particularly the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, for securing the release of the victims after 56 days in captivity.
According to the Presidency, the rescue operation was carried out without any collateral damage and led to the arrest of eight of the suspected abductors, while several others were neutralised during the operation.
Tinubu also acknowledged the pain and anxiety endured by the abducted children, their teachers, their families and Nigerians since the incident occurred.
“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 the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.
He noted that the successful operation had brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty and provided relief to the victims’ families and the nation.
“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,” he added.
The President further vowed that justice would be served for the victims and for the family of teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed by the abductors during the period of captivity.
“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 cooperation 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,” the President stated.
The President has directed emergency response agencies to work closely with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support.
