There was widespread jubilation on Friday as pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
The victims were rescued in a coordinated security operation, bringing an end to weeks of anxiety for their families, schools and residents.
Their release also drew reactions from opposition figures, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, who welcomed the development while urging the Federal Government to strengthen security and prevent similar incidents.
Senator Ali Ndume also described the rescue as encouraging, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to free other victims still being held by kidnappers, particularly in his constituency.
Across Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, residents celebrated the victims’ return as news of the rescue spread. Motorists, commercial motorcyclists and passers-by stopped along major roads to express gratitude, while many offered prayers of thanksgiving.
Presidency confirmation
Confirming the operation, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were neutralised during the operation.
According to him, the pupils rescue was carried out without yielding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram kingpin currently standing trial for terrorism.
“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. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” Onanuga said.
Tinubu assures prosecution
President Bola Tinubu described the successful operation as a major victory and pledged that justice would be served for the victims and the family of slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was killed shortly after the abduction.
In a statement issued by Onanuga, the President commended the military, the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force for sustaining the operation for nearly two months without collateral damage.
Tinubu also directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, trauma support and other relief services for the rescued pupils and teachers.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation. My government will get justice for these children, their teachers and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, whom the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” the President said.
Victims’ appreciation to President Tinubu
The rescued victims expressed gratitude to the President and security agencies for securing their freedom.
In a video released after the rescue, the Principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Folawe, thanked Tinubu and security personnel for their efforts.
“Mr President, we are grateful. We appreciate your commitment to our safety. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive. Thank you very much. May God continue to bless you,” she said as the rescued pupils joined in thanking the authorities.
Parent express relief
A parent of two of the rescued children, Ogune Tegba, also expressed relief.
“I am grateful. Help me thank everybody. I have seen my children. Thank you,” he said.
Makinde expresses relief
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the rescue as a huge relief, saying it ended nearly two months of anguish for the affected families and the state.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Makinde commended the military, the police, the DSS, service chiefs and President Tinubu for their coordinated efforts.
“It is a big relief for all of us. We thank our service commanders, the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the military, the high command and the President for pushing really hard to make this happen,” the governor said.
He also appreciated the media for keeping public attention on the abduction throughout the victims’ captivity.
Despite the celebrations, the family of the late teacher, Michael Oyedokun, said the rescue was accompanied by painful memories.
In an Instagram post, Oyedokun’s niece, Oluwabukolami, congratulated the rescued victims and their families but lamented that her uncle would never return home.
“My heart rejoices with every family reunited with their loved ones. But while others celebrate, my family mourns. My uncle, Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, will never come home. Today, we celebrate those who returned while remembering the one who never did. Rest in peace, Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten,” she wrote.
