The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has praised President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies following the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

 

 

Alausa also commended the Oyo State Government for working closely with security agencies to secure the victims’ freedom, describing the operation as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting schoolchildren across the country.

 

 

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the minister said the rescue underscored the Tinubu administration’s resolve to ensure that no Nigerian child is abandoned in the hands of criminals.

 

 

He applauded President Tinubu for providing leadership throughout the rescue mission and ensuring that every effort was made until the pupils and teachers regained their freedom.

 

 

The minister also lauded Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for supporting the rescue operation and for his government’s commitment to the welfare, rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims.

 

 

Dr Alausa further praised the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security and intelligence agencies for what he described as their professionalism, courage and coordination, which led to the successful rescue of the victims and the arrest of the suspected kidnappers without harm to the captives.

 

 

“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: “On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, I congratulate Mr. President on this important achievement. I also commend the Oyo State Government for its support and commitment throughout this difficult period, and sincerely appreciate the bravery, patriotism and tireless efforts of all the security personnel whose dedication made this rescue possible. Their collective efforts have restored hope to the affected families and reassured Nigerians that our institutions remain resolute in confronting criminality.”

 

 

The minister expressed sympathy to the rescued pupils, teachers and their families over the trauma they suffered in captivity and prayed for their speedy physical and psychological recovery.

 

 

He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to strengthening school safety nationwide in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, while urging parents, communities, school authorities and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to keep schools safe.

 

 

It would be recalled that after spending more than 50 days in captivity, over 40 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, were rescued unharmed by security operatives in a coordinated operation that also led to the arrest and killing of some of the suspected kidnappers.