By Ayomid otitoju
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has welcomed the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, describing their release after 57 days in captivity as a “big relief.”
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the governor expressed gratitude to security agencies and the Federal Government for securing the victims’ freedom.
“It is such a big relief for all of us and for those who have been waiting over the past 57 days,” Makinde said.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, security chiefs and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts in ensuring the successful rescue.
“I am overjoyed right now and cannot really say much. I will speak later when I can put my thoughts together,” the governor added.
The Presidency earlier announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued in a coordinated security operation.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a post on X, stating that eight members of the kidnapping syndicate were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the DSS.
According to him, some members of the gang were neutralised during the rescue operation.
Onanuga said the operation was carried out without conceding to the kidnappers’ demands, including their request for the release of an alleged gang leader who remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
He added that security agencies would provide further details on the operation.
A video shared by the Presidency showed one of the rescued teachers thanking President Tinubu and security operatives for securing their release.
The teacher expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to their safety, commending security personnel for their efforts, which he said ensured the victims returned home alive.
