Makinde Hails Rescue Of Abducted Oyo Pupils And Teachers

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed joy over the successful Oyo school rescue of pupils and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their safe return as a huge relief for the state.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Channels Television on Friday, the governor thanked President Bola Tinubu and the country’s security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the victims. He praised the coordinated operation carried out by the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military.

Makinde said he was overwhelmed with happiness following the successful Oyo school rescue and promised to provide more details after gathering his thoughts.

“We will use this opportunity to thank our service commanders, the Nigerian police, DSS, the military, and of course, the president (Tinubu) for pushing really hard to have this done.

“I am right now overjoyed. I will talk later when I can put my thoughts together,” he said.

The rescue came after the pupils and teachers spent more than 50 days in the custody of their abductors. The development brought an end to weeks of concern over their safety and renewed calls for stronger security around schools.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the successful Oyo school rescue in a post on his 𝕏 account. He stated that security forces rescued all the victims and also shared that one of the freed teachers sent a message of appreciation to President Tinubu and the security agencies for their role in the operation.

The successful rescue marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to tackle kidnapping and improve security across the region.

What additional measures should authorities take to better protect schools from future abduction attempts?