- The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s firm stance against paying ransom to kidnappers, describing the government’s approach as a decisive turning point in Nigeria’s security landscape.
- Speaking on behalf of Oyo State traditional rulers during a visit to the Presidential Villa, the monarch expressed deep gratitude for the safe rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area after 56 days in captivity.
- Oba Ladoja urged the Federal Government to maintain a strong, permanent security presence in the forest reserve connecting Oyo and Niger states to prevent displaced criminal groups from returning to the area.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s firm leadership and strategic handling of kidnapping across the country, describing federal interventions as a major turning point in Nigeria’s fight against violent crime.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Oba Ladoja made the commendation on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he led a delegation of traditional rulers from the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
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The meeting, which focused on strengthening security measures across Oyo State, provided an opportunity for the traditional institution to formally express gratitude to the President following the recent resolution of a high-profile kidnapping incident in the state.
Addressing President Tinubu, the Olubadan highlighted the relief felt across the state following the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
He noted that the apprehension initially surrounding the abduction stemmed from fears that the situation could mirror previous long-standing hostage crises in other parts of the country.
Oba Ladoja specifically praised President Tinubu for refusing to negotiate financially with kidnappers, emphasizing that standing firm against ransom demands has restored public confidence in the Federal Government’s security strategy.
He explained that eliminating the financial incentive behind abductions sends a clear message that criminal enterprises will not be tolerated.
The monarch’s praise comes shortly after details emerged regarding the intelligence-led operations that secured the release of the Oriire abductees. Security agencies adopted a tactical approach by targeting the abductors’ operational networks, tracking logistics pipelines, and arresting key associates.
The sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon their demands and release the victims without any ransom payment after 56 days in captivity.
To consolidate these gains, Oba Ladoja urged the Federal Government to maintain continuous surveillance and a strong military presence within the forest reserve corridor linking Oyo State to Niger State.
He stressed that securing these sprawling forested areas is crucial to preventing displaced criminal elements from regrouping and ensuring long-term safety for rural communities across the region.
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