Group commends President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies for freeing abducted pupils and teachers after more than 50 days in captivity

The Yoruba Leaders of Thought (YLT) has commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a reassuring demonstration of the country’s security capabilities.

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The group said the Oyo School Rescue reflected the growing effectiveness of coordinated security operations involving the military, other security agencies, local vigilantes and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Secretary, Mr Bayo Aina, on behalf of the organisation led by elder statesman Chief Tajudeen Olusi, the group praised the operation as evidence of the sustained efforts being made to combat insecurity despite the continued threat posed by armed criminal groups across the country.

“It is heartwarming that our security agencies were able to rescue these children and their teachers who have been in captivity for over 54 days.

It is heartwarming that no ransom was paid for the release of the abductees, which further shows that the security agencies’ operation was top-notch,” Aina said.

“This singular action has made us proud of our military and further assures Nigerians that we have a military that is capable of protecting lives and properties in the country.

We laud their effort, just as we commend President Tinubu for his leadership qualities.”

The rescue followed weeks of uncertainty after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, reigniting national concerns over attacks on educational institutions and the safety of schoolchildren.

The victims were rescued after spending 56 days in captivity and were subsequently handed over to the Oyo State Government after receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support at the Military Hospital, Ibadan.

Following their release, Governor Makinde called for an independent investigation involving international human rights and accountability bodies, including agencies within the United Nations, to establish the full circumstances surrounding both the abduction and the rescue operation.

While welcoming the successful outcome, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the ordeal.

The organisation expressed condolences to the family of teacher Mr Michael Oyedokun and to relatives of the security personnel who died during the rescue efforts, including Lieutenant Felix Isaac.

The group urged the Federal Government to immortalise both men in recognition of what it described as their sacrifice in the service of the nation.

It also called on security authorities to replicate the operational strategy deployed in Oyo in efforts to secure the freedom of other kidnapping victims still being held across different parts of Nigeria.

Beyond the immediate rescue, the group renewed calls for stronger action against the proliferation of illegal arms and cross-border criminal activities.

According to Aina, authorities should intensify investigations into the involvement of foreign nationals in violent crimes, arguing that cross-border networks have contributed to the flow of weapons used by armed groups operating within Nigeria.

Kidnappings targeting schools have remained a major security challenge in several parts of the country over recent years, prompting governments at both federal and state levels to strengthen school protection initiatives and improve coordination among security agencies.

Also read: Family mourns army officer slain during Oyo rescue operation

The successful rescue of the Oyo pupils and teachers has been widely welcomed, although concerns remain over preventing similar attacks and ensuring lasting security for vulnerable communities.