- Sanwo-Olu described the rescue of the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers as a major relief
- He praised Tinubu and security agencies for the successful operation
- The governor said the rescue reflects progress in the fight against insecurity
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has praised the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The victims, made up of 39 pupils and seven teachers, regained their freedom on Friday after spending more than 55 days in captivity following an attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, Eko Hot Blog reports.
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In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said the rescue offers renewed hope to families affected by the incident and demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to improve security across the country.
He applauded the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for working together to secure the victims’ release.
The governor also sympathised with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the people of Ogbomoso and the families of those affected, noting that the successful operation had brought relief to residents within and beyond the South-West region.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the rescue reflects the government’s sustained efforts to confront insecurity and protect lives across Nigeria.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15 after suspected Ansaru terrorists invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and LA Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
During the attack, a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed, while another teacher later lost his life in captivity.
The abduction triggered widespread protests by teachers, civil society organisations and residents, leading to a prolonged strike as demands grew for the victims’ safe return.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the rescue followed a coordinated operation involving the military, police and intelligence agencies.
He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several others were neutralised during the operation.
Onanuga also stated that the victims were rescued without any ransom payment or negotiation with the abductors, adding that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains in detention and is facing prosecution.
Governor Makinde had earlier welcomed the successful rescue, thanking security agencies and President Tinubu for their support while maintaining that the state’s refusal to pay ransom had been the right decision.
Meanwhile, more than 40 pupils abducted from schools in Borno State on the same day remain in captivity.
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