President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government in providing medical care, psychosocial assistance and other relief support to the pupils and teachers recently rescued from captivity in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The directive followed the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers who were kidnapped during an attack on the Ahoro-Esiele community in Ogbomoso on May 15.
The President’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Tinubu expressed delight over the rescue operation and commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for securing the release of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity.
The President said the operation was carried out without collateral damage and resulted in the arrest of eight suspected abductors, while several others were neutralised during the security operation.
President Tinubu described the rescue as a major relief for the nation and the affected families, noting that the prolonged ordeal had caused immense pain and anxiety.
“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.”
This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular.
Tinubu also praised security personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
The President assured Nigerians that those responsible for the abduction and the killing of one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, would be brought to justice.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he said.
Tinubu further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with federal authorities throughout the rescue efforts and urged the state to strengthen security measures around schools and educational facilities.
“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” the President added.
According to the statement, the President has now directed emergency management agencies to immediately collaborate with the Oyo State Government to provide all necessary medical attention, counselling and humanitarian assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers as they begin the process of reintegration with their families and communities.
