President commends military, DSS, Police for ending 56-day captivity in Oriire_
*ABUJA* — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and has ordered immediate relief measures for the victims.
In a statement on Thursday, the President commended the military, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for the operation that ended the victims’ 56-day captivity.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area and had been in captivity since mid-May. Their release was confirmed earlier this week by the Presidency, which credited security agencies for the rescue.
President Tinubu directed relevant government agencies to provide medical care, psychosocial support, and other forms of assistance to the rescued victims and their families to aid their recovery and reintegration.
“The safety of our children and teachers is non-negotiable. I commend our security forces for their professionalism, courage and persistence that led to this successful rescue,” the President was quoted as saying.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting schools and communities across the country, and charged security agencies to sustain efforts to prevent further abductions.
The abduction had drawn widespread condemnation and protests in Oyo State, with parents, teachers’ unions and civil society groups demanding urgent action for the release of the victims.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had also engaged security agencies and community leaders to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons.
With the rescue, attention is now shifting to rehabilitation for the victims and stronger security measures around schools in vulnerable areas of the state.
