Oriire rescue: APC leader praises security forces, urges Nigerians to support anti-kidnapping fight

Michael Olumide

National Vice Chairman (South East), All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for successfully rescuing all the remaining pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major victory in the country’s fight against insecurity.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Arodiogbu praised the combined efforts of the police, military, intelligence agencies and other security operatives, saying the successful rescue demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and state governments to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians, especially schoolchildren and teachers.

The victims had spent more than 50 days in captivity after armed gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, on May 15, 2026.

During the attack, about 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped, while one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the abductors.

Reacting to the successful rescue, Arodiogbu described the development as a source of immense relief to the victims’ families and the nation.

“The safe return of these innocent pupils and their dedicated teachers brings immense relief to their families and the entire nation. I hail the gallant efforts of our security forces, including the police, military, and intelligence teams, whose tireless work has ensured that every kidnapped individual has been rescued,” he said.

The APC chieftain noted that the successful operation sends a strong message to criminal elements that government remains determined to confront kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent crime across the country.

He added that the Tinubu administration remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect lives and property.

“This rescue reinforces our collective resolve against insecurity. Under President Tinubu’s administration, we remain focused on strengthening our security architecture to protect lives and property across all regions,” Arodiogbu stated.

He further urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information that could aid intelligence gathering and crime prevention, stressing that tackling insecurity requires the collective efforts of government, communities and citizens.

The APC leader also appealed to parents, school administrators and community leaders to remain vigilant and cooperate with security authorities to improve the safety of schools and children.

Meanwhile, families of the rescued victims have expressed profound gratitude over the successful operation, describing the development as an answered prayer after weeks of uncertainty, anxiety and nationwide appeals for the safe release of the captives.

Security sources also confirmed that all surviving victims had been rescued and reunited with their families, while operations are continuing to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction.

The successful rescue comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to improve school security and combat kidnapping and banditry across the Southwest and other parts of the country, with renewed emphasis on protecting educational institutions from criminal attacks.