The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, describing the operation as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety and security of Nigerian children.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Communications and Media, Ikharo Attah, the minister also commended the Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, and the nation’s security agencies for their collaborative efforts, which resulted in the safe release of the victims and the arrest of the suspected kidnappers without harm to those rescued.
Alausa expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as his steadfast leadership and determination to ensure that every effort was made to secure the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He also praised the Oyo State Government for its support throughout the rescue operation and its commitment to the welfare, rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims with their families.
The minister further lauded the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security and intelligence agencies involved in the operation for their professionalism, coordination and sacrifice.
“The successful rescue of these innocent children and their teachers is a moment of great relief for the nation. It reflects the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protect the lives of Nigerians and demonstrates the growing effectiveness of collaboration among the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and our security agencies,” he said.
He added that the rescue had restored hope to the affected families and reassured Nigerians of the commitment of government institutions to tackling criminality.
Alausa expressed sympathy to the rescued pupils, teachers and their families over the trauma they experienced during their captivity and prayed for their speedy physical and psychological recovery.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to strengthening the safety and security of schools across the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
He also urged parents, communities, school authorities and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies to ensure schools remain safe for teaching and learning.
