Schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after spending nearly 56 days in captivity.
According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated effort by security agencies. All the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have finally been rescued by our security agencies, Onanuga said.
He further disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were apprehended during the rescue operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Some other members of the gang were neutralised during the operation.
Onanuga clarified that the rescue did not involve any exchange or concessions to the abductors, and a notorious kingpin whose release had been demanded remains in custody and is being prosecuted.
A full account of the rescue operation will be provided by the security agencies soon, Onanuga added.
A video accompanying the statement showed a woman, believed to be one of the rescued teachers, expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in thanking the President, saying, Thank you, sir.
Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much, the teacher said.
