Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of 39 schoolchildren and five teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement, Isola described the victims’ release after 56 days in captivity as a moment of thanksgiving and renewed hope, saying the operation demonstrated that criminality would not prevail over the nation.
He praised President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that the administration’s efforts to improve coordination and collaboration among security agencies were producing encouraging results.
The former envoy also applauded the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local security networks, intelligence agencies, community volunteers and other stakeholders for their professionalism, resilience and sacrifice, which he said made the rescue possible.
While celebrating the successful operation, Isola paid tribute to two teachers, Mr. Adegboye Adesiyan and Michael Oyedokun, who were reportedly killed by their abductors during the ordeal. He prayed for the repose of their souls and extended his condolences to their families, colleagues and the education community.
Quoting American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Isola said the rescue underscored the importance of persistence, courage and collective resolve in overcoming insecurity.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by remaining vigilant, providing credible intelligence and promoting peace and unity, stressing that the fight against criminality requires the collective efforts of citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders and civil society groups.
The former High Commissioner also called for greater investment in intelligence gathering, community policing, modern security technology, youth empowerment and socio-economic development to address the root causes of insecurity and prevent similar incidents.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stating that the country’s resilience and unity would continue to triumph over insecurity, while praying for lasting peace, the full recovery of the rescued victims and continued wisdom and good health for President Tinubu.
