Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area as a huge relief, while applauding security agencies and the Federal Government for their efforts in securing their freedom.
Makinde, speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, said the development brought relief to families and everyone who had been awaiting the victims’ return for 57 days.
“It’s such a big relief for all of us and for those who have been waiting during this period,” the governor said, expressing gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), military authorities, security commanders, and President Bola Tinubu for their roles in the rescue operation.
He added that he was excited about the outcome but would provide further comments after gathering his thoughts.
The Presidency had earlier announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued in a coordinated security operation carried out by security agencies.
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a statement shared on X, confirming that eight members of the kidnapping group were arrested and are currently being held by the DSS.
According to Onanuga, the rescue operation was completed without any agreement or concession being made to the kidnappers, including their demand for the release of a suspected gang leader currently facing prosecution.
“Eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some others were neutralised. There was no deal involved in the rescue operation,” he stated.
A video released alongside the statement showed one of the rescued teachers thanking President Bola Tinubu and security personnel for their intervention.
The teacher praised the commitment of the security agencies, saying their efforts made it possible for the victims to regain their freedom safely.
The pupils and teachers had been abducted by suspected terrorists from Oriire, Oyo State, with their captivity lasting 57 days before the successful rescue operation.