Lagos governor praises security agencies for coordinated operation, says successful rescue offers renewed hope to families and communities…..
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the rescue of the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, saying the operation reflects the Federal Government’s determination to protect lives and restore public confidence.
The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending more than 55 days in captivity following their abduction during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said the successful operation demonstrated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to confronting insecurity across the country.
“The rescue is a big relief and shows the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the war against insecurity,” the governor said.
He applauded the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for what he described as a well-coordinated operation that secured the victims’ release.
Sanwo-Olu also congratulated Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the people of Ogbomoso, noting that the development had brought comfort to the affected families while restoring hope to residents of Oyo State and Nigerians at large.
“I commend the tireless efforts and resilience of our gallant security operatives who made this possible. I equally rejoice with the people of Oyo State, particularly the residents of Ogbomoso, on this great news,” he added.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15 after gunmen suspected to be members of the Ansaru terrorist group attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and LA Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The attack claimed the life of a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, while another teacher was reportedly killed in captivity after being beheaded by the kidnappers.
The incident triggered widespread outrage, with teachers staging protests across Ogbomoso and embarking on a month-long strike as residents and civil society organisations intensified calls for the government to secure the victims’ release.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the successful rescue on Friday, revealing that the operation was driven by coordinated efforts involving the military, police and intelligence agencies.
According to him, eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested and are currently in the custody of the DSS, while several other members of the criminal group were killed during the operation.
Onanuga also dismissed reports of any ransom payment, insisting that the government made no concessions to the abductors. He disclosed that the gang leader whose release was reportedly demanded by the kidnappers remains in detention and is facing prosecution.
Governor Makinde, who also welcomed the development, described the rescue as a huge relief and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the security agencies for their role in bringing the victims home safely. He maintained that the Oyo State Government’s decision not to negotiate or pay ransom had ultimately paid off.
Despite the success in Oyo, more than 40 schoolchildren, including toddlers abducted from schools in Borno State on the same day as the Ogbomoso attack, are still being held captive by their abductors.
