Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed joy over the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their release after 57 days in captivity as a huge relief for their families and the entire state.
Speaking during a brief interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the governor thanked the security agencies and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom.
“It’s such a big relief for all of us and for those who have been waiting over the past 57 days,” Makinde said.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank our service commanders, the Nigeria Police, the DSS, the military, the high command, and of course, the President for pushing really hard to make this happen.
“Right now, I’m simply overjoyed and cannot say much. I will speak further later when I have gathered my thoughts,” he added.
The Presidency had earlier announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued in a coordinated operation carried out by security agencies.
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several other suspects were neutralised.
According to Onanuga, the rescue was achieved without yielding to the kidnappers’ demands, including their request for the release of a notorious gang leader who remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised,” Onanuga said.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon.”
A video shared by the Presidency also showed one of the rescued teachers thanking President Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts.
“Mr. President, sir, we are grateful. We appreciate your commitment to our safety and all you did for us. We could see your hand in this.
“Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are sincerely grateful. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
