NGF hails rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren, teachers

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has welcomed the successful rescue of all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire community, Oyo State, describing the development as a major relief for the victims’ families and the country.

In a statement signed and released by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Friday night, the NGF congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the outcome of the rescue operation.

“The Forum received with joy and relief the news of the successful rescue of all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire community in Oyo State,” the statement said.

It said the rescue followed “months of high-level coordination, intelligence gathering, and disciplined execution.”

The governors also rejoiced with the families of the victims.

“The Forum also rejoices with the families of the victims on the successful rescue which have now reunited them with their precious children and relations.”

The NGF commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government, which it said contributed to the successful operation.

“We are especially proud of the commitment and professionalism of our security forces throughout the operation. We are confident that this impressive multi-agency collaboration will yield more successes as the security forces do more to neutralise all threats and rescue our citizens who are still trapped in the den of kidnappers,” the statement added.

While sympathising with families affected by kidnapping and other violent crimes, the Forum urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.

“While we sincerely share in the grief of families and communities impacted by kidnapping and related incidents, we appeal to citizens to continue to support government’s efforts to protect lives and property in every part of the country, including giving timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies,” the statement said.