President Bola Tinubu on Friday hailed security forces for the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, describing the operation as a relief for families and the nation.
In a statement issued by his Special Advise on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu credited coordinated military, intelligence and police efforts that, he said, worked “round the clock” over the past 56 days to free the victims “without any collateral damage.”
The operation, the statement added, led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors and the neutralization of others.
“Today’s successful 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,” the president said.
He extended 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.”
President Tinubu expressed sorrow for the trauma suffered by the victims and their families, and pledged his administration would pursue justice for the rescued pupils and teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, whom the statement said was murdered by the attackers.
The President commended the Oyo State government for its cooperation with federal authorities during the rescue effort and urged the state to bolster security around schools.
He also directed that emergency and relief agencies coordinate with Oyo authorities to provide medical and other support to the rescued children and staff.
