• PDP, Falana, CAN laud FG, security agencies over rescue of victims
• Yoruba traditional religion can curb insecurity, says Alaafin

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies to prevent a recurrence of the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Council of the state.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC congratulated the rescued victims and their families, while extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the incident.

The party, however, stressed the need for stronger cooperation among all tiers of government and security agencies to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.

It, therefore, called for adequate rehabilitation and support for the rescued victims to facilitate their recovery from the traumatic experience.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has commended the Federal Government and security agencies for the successful rescue of victims.

The party also congratulated the rescued victims and their families, describing their safe return as a source of relief and hope.

In a statement signed by the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, yesterday, the party said it rejoiced with the affected families and prayed that the rescue would mark the end of such tragic incidents in the state.

Also, the human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has commended Nigeria’s security forces for the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State

He, however, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to free others still in captivity across the country.

Falana, who spoke yesterday, expressed sympathy with the family of Michael Oyedokun, the teacher who was killed by the abductors.

He called for the recovery of the deceased’s remains to enable a proper burial.

Meanwhile, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has advocated the integration of Yoruba traditional religious institutions and indigenous intelligence into Nigeria’s security architecture, saying that they can complement conventional security measures in tackling insecurity across the country.

Oba Owoade stated this during the grand finale of this year’s Egungun Festival held at the ancient Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo, where he spoke on the theme, “Call of the Ancestors for the Protection of Yorubaland.”

In a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin said the Yoruba traditional religion possesses community-based mechanisms capable of addressing security challenges through spiritual intelligence, communal oath-taking and local intelligence networks.

The monarch said that traditional institutions, including Isese practitioners, local hunters and farmers’ groups, possess extensive knowledge of local communities and terrains, enabling them to detect suspicious activities and support efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and other crimes.

Oba Owoade, who noted that traditional religious practices, particularly the administration of sacred oaths before deities, serve as strong moral and spiritual deterrents against criminality, betrayal and corruption, said that the Yoruba traditional religion also promotes the values of good character, respect for elders and communal harmony, which are essential for addressing moral decline and strengthening social cohesion.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to harness their cultural heritage for national development, describing Yoruba’s civilisation as one of Africa’s most enduring cultural legacies.

THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers.

It noted that bringing the victims home is only part of the task, stressing that children and teachers who have lived through weeks of fear will need time, care and understanding to heal and urged governments, faith communities and humanitarian organisations to work together in providing the counselling, medical care and emotional support they will require as they rebuild their lives.

In a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, observed that the reports that the operation was guided by patience, credible intelligence and a determination to protect innocent lives are reassuring and deserve recognition, adding that every successful rescue reminds us that when our security institutions work together with resolve and professionalism, hope can triumph over fear.