- Tinubu: No Ransom Was Paid. No Concession Made
- Priority Now Is Rehabilitation, Reuniting Them With Their families-Makinde
- 8 Suspects Nabbed, Several Killed, Says Presidency
The teachers and schoolchildren abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity, bringing relief to their families and ending weeks of anxiety over their fate.
The victims were rescued during a security operation, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirming that they were freed alive and unharmed without any ransom paid.
In a statement issued on Friday, Tinubu described the rescue as a victory for Nigeria’s security forces and thanked the personnel involved in the operation.
“Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks,” the President said.
“The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made.”
Tinubu commended the officers and operatives who carried out the operation, praising their courage, discipline and professionalism.
“I salute every officer and operative whose courage, discipline, and professionalism made this possible,” he said.
The President also issued a strong warning to terrorists and other criminal groups, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity across the country.
“To those who seek to spread fear through terror, know that the Nigerian state will pursue you relentlessly. We will protect our people, defend our communities, and never relent until peace and security prevail across our country,” Tinubu stated.
On his part, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also confirmed the release of the teachers and schoolchildren.
In a statement posted on his official social media account, Makinde expressed gratitude over the safe return of the victims and said the state’s immediate focus would be on reuniting them with their families and providing them with the necessary care.
“I am really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago. Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience,” the governor said.
Makinde also commended the security agencies involved in the operation that led to the victims’ freedom, praising their dedication and sacrifices.
“We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices,” he said.
The governor paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, praying for the repose of their souls and comfort for their bereaved families.
“May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace and may God comfort their families,” Makinde added.
The governor did not provide details of the rescue operation or disclose the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release. Authorities are expected to provide further information on the operation.
Meanwhile, eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested and several others killed during the operation that secured the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, according to the Presidency.
In a follow-up post on his verified X account on Friday, Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the victims were freed without any concessions to their abductors.
“Eight kidnappers have been arrested, many others neutralised, and no concessions were made to the terrorists,” he stated.
