Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, saying the operation reflects the Federal Government’s determination to protect lives.
The governor said the successful mission, which ended the victims’ 56-day ordeal, demonstrates that the Tinubu administration is making steady progress in addressing the country’s security challenges.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu applauded security agencies for carrying out the operation that led to the release of the captives.
He praised the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and other operatives involved in the coordinated mission, describing their efforts as commendable.
Sanwo-Olu also extended his sympathies to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the families of the victims and residents of Ogbomoso, noting that the rescue had brought relief to many Nigerians who had followed the incident with concern.
“The rescue is a big relief and shows the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the war against insecurity.
“I commend the tireless efforts and resilience of our gallant security operatives who made this possible. I equally rejoice with the people of Oyo State, particularly the residents of Ogbomoso, on this great news,” he said.
The freed victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on May 15 when suspected Ansaru gunmen 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.
The attack turned deadly after a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed during the invasion, while another teacher was later murdered by the kidnappers during captivity.
The incident sparked widespread outrage across Oyo State, with teachers embarking on protests and an industrial action that lasted for weeks as pressure mounted on authorities to secure the victims’ freedom.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced on Friday that the rescue followed a coordinated operation involving the military, police and intelligence agencies.
According to him, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in DSS custody, while several others were neutralised during the operation.
He added that the government neither paid ransom nor granted any concession to the abductors, stressing that the gang leader whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
Governor Makinde also welcomed the rescue, thanking President Tinubu and security agencies for their efforts, while insisting that the state’s refusal to pay ransom had been the right decision.
Meanwhile, dozens of schoolchildren abducted from schools in Borno State on the same day as the Oyo attack are still being held by their captors.
