Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed joy over the rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their release as a huge relief for the state.
The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking during a telephone interview with Channels Television shortly after the rescue, Makinde thanked President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Just right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor said.
“I use this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the service commands, the police, DSS, military and, of course, the president for pushing for their release.”
The victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire LGA.
Following the incident, the Oyo State Government ordered the closure of schools in four local government areas while security agencies intensified efforts to rescue the victims.
The abduction also triggered protests in parts of the country, with demonstrators calling for the safe return of the schoolchildren and their teachers.
On May 18, Makinde disclosed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed while in captivity.
Reacting to the successful rescue, President Tinubu commended the military, the DSS and the police for carrying out the operation, noting that it ended more than 50 days of uncertainty for the victims and their families.
The President also praised the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the rescue effort and directed emergency agencies to work with the state government to provide medical care and other support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
Tinubu further pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and for the family of Oyedokun, the teacher who lost his life during the abduction.