Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area as a major relief for Nigerians, expressing gratitude to security agencies for securing their freedom after weeks in captivity.
Speaking during a television interview, the governor said Nigerians had anxiously awaited the victims’ release for nearly two months, describing the development as a moment of relief and thanksgiving.
“I am overjoyed,” Makinde said, while commending the efforts of security agencies involved in the operation. He also praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts that led to the successful rescue.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government described the victims’ release as a victory for resilience and principled leadership.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government expressed gratitude that the pupils and teachers had regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.
“We are happy to report to our people in Oyo State that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity,” the statement said.
Oyelade noted that the successful rescue tested the government’s resolve in confronting criminal elements, stressing that the administration resisted pressure to pay ransom in exchange for the victims’ freedom.
According to him, yielding to the kidnappers’ demands would have encouraged further criminal activities and strengthened the operations of bandit groups.
He said the state government’s approach reflected a commitment to sustainable solutions to insecurity rather than temporary measures that could embolden criminal networks.
The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s determination to continue working with security agencies to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
The release of the victims followed a coordinated security operation that led to the arrest of several suspected kidnappers and the rescue of all remaining captives.
