Obi Reacts to Rescue of Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has expressed delight following the successful rescue of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers who were kidnapped in Oyo State nearly two months ago.

Heavily armed attackers had raided three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, abducting 39 students and six teachers.

One teacher was killed during the initial raid, and another reportedly died while being held in captivity.

Following a 56 days in captivity, the Presidency announced on Friday, that all remaining hostages had been freed. The rescue was achieved through a coordinated operation by a joint team of security agencies, which led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the neutralization of several others.

Although authorities withheld specific operational details for security reasons, the development has sparked reactions across the country.

Reacting to the news on Saturday morning via his X account, Peter Obi noted that the safe return of the children is deeply worthy of thanksgiving. “I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped,” Obi stated.

“I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes.”

However, Obi also emphasized that the situation highlights deep-seated vulnerabilities within the nation’s current security framework.

“While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma,” he added. “The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government.”

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that President Bola Tinubu had earlier welcomed the successful mission, hailing it as a major victory that demonstrates the government’s resolve to never abandon kidnapped citizens.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed profound gratitude to the military, police, local hunters, and vigilantes involved in the rescue. Governor Makinde called the development a massive relief for the state and pledged that his administration would focus on rehabilitating the victims while aggressively strengthening security measures around schools.