The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, have applauded the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their release after weeks in captivity as encouraging news for the country.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP expressed relief over the safe return of the victims, saying the development brought hope to their families and the wider public.
“The Peoples Democratic Party welcomes the safe return of the students and teachers who were kidnapped in Oyo State some months ago,” the party said.
While noting that the full details of the rescue operation were yet to be made public, the opposition party praised the collaborative efforts that culminated in the release of the abductees.
“Although details of the rescue remain limited, we commend the Federal Government, Oyo State government, security agencies and all individuals and organisations whose efforts contributed to the safe return of the victims,” the statement added.
The PDP described the incident as another painful reflection of Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that schools must remain places where children and teachers can learn and work without fear of violence.
According to the party, access to education should never expose anyone to the trauma of abduction.
“No one should be subjected to such trauma in the pursuit of education,” it stated.
The party further called on the Federal Government to strengthen security measures across the country to forestall similar attacks, insisting that safeguarding lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government.
“We call on the Federal Government to take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence of such heinous acts. The protection of lives and property remains the first responsibility of government and is the irreducible minimum that our country and its citizens deserve,” the PDP said.
Also reacting to the development, Sowore welcomed the release of the victims and appreciated everyone who contributed to securing their freedom.
“The teachers and children abducted from Orire in Ogbomoso in Oyo State have all been released!
“My heartfelt gratitude and best regards to everyone who worked tirelessly and contributed in one way or another to making their release possible. Welcome home!” he wrote on X.
The rescued pupils and teachers had spent 57 days in captivity after gunmen attacked schools in Orire Local Government Area, an incident that sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over insecurity in educational institutions.
Earlier, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described the development as “a big relief,” expressing gratitude to security personnel and everyone involved in the operation that secured the victims’ freedom.
The Presidency also confirmed that the victims were rescued alive during a coordinated operation carried out by security agencies.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several other members of the criminal gang were neutralised during the rescue mission.
He also stated that the operation was executed without meeting the abductors’ demand for the release of one of their detained kingpins, who remains on trial for terrorism-related offences.
(Ripples)
