By Amofokhai Williams
Relief swept across Nigeria on Friday as security forces successfully rescued all the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, ending a traumatic 56-day captivity through what President Bola Tinubu described as a coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation.
According to the President, the operation involved sustained collaboration between the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, whose personnel worked relentlessly to secure the victims’ freedom without any collateral damage.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during the rescue mission, effectively dismantling the gang responsible for the attack.
President Tinubu said the successful operation brought an end to more than seven weeks of uncertainty, fear and anguish endured by the abducted children, their teachers, their families and the nation.
He praised the bravery and professionalism of the security agencies, saying their determination ensured the victims returned home safely.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.
Describing the rescue as a major breakthrough, Tinubu said the operation ended the prolonged siege that had gripped the affected community for over 50 days and restored hope to the victims’ families.
The President assured Nigerians that those responsible for the crime would face justice, including those involved in the killing of Mr. Oyedokun during the incident.
Tinubu also commended the Oyo State Government for its close cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts, noting that the partnership contributed significantly to the successful outcome.
He urged the state government to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.
To support the victims’ recovery, the President directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with immediate medical care, trauma support and other necessary relief services.
The rescue marks the end of one of the state’s most disturbing school abduction cases, with authorities now focusing on prosecuting the suspects and helping the victims recover from their ordeal.
