The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde, the families of the victims and the people of Oyo State following the release of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted at Ahoro-Esinle in Orire Local Government Area.

Reacting to the development on Friday, Ajadi described the victims’ release as a welcome relief, saying his thoughts and prayers had remained with the pupils, their teachers and their families since the abduction.

He recalled that during a political gathering at Olomi Market Junction in Oluyole Local Government Area on June 25, where members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party defected to the APM, he publicly prayed for the safe return of the victims.

At the event, he had said: “We pray that Almighty God grants the abducted children safety and that they are reunited with their families as soon as possible.”

Speaking after news of their release, Ajadi expressed gratitude to God and described the development as an answered prayer.

“Today is a day of thanksgiving. I give all glory to Almighty God for preserving the lives of the schoolchildren and their teachers and making it possible for them to regain their freedom. This is heartwarming news for their parents, their communities and the people of Oyo State,” he said.

Ajadi also congratulated Governor Makinde and commended the security agencies and other stakeholders involved in securing the victims’ freedom.

“I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, on this encouraging development. I also appreciate the efforts of the security agencies and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure these innocent children and their teachers returned home safely,” he said.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing criminal activities, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility involving government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.

“While we celebrate this joyful news, we must not relent in our collective efforts to strengthen security across Oyo State and Nigeria. Every child deserves to learn in a safe environment, and every parent should be confident that their children will return home safely after school,” he added.

Ajadi expressed sympathy to the families for the emotional trauma they endured during the victims’ captivity and prayed for the complete recovery and healing of the schoolchildren and their teachers.

He also reiterated his belief that stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, local communities and other stakeholders would help address insecurity across the country.

The release of the abducted pupils and their teachers has been widely welcomed across Oyo State, with many residents describing it as a major relief after days of uncertainty. The development has also renewed calls for improved security around schools and rural communities to prevent similar incidents.