Oyo abduction: Lagos Speaker, APC, NAWOJ express happiness over rescue operation

Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Oyo State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, have expressed happiness over the release of 39 students and seven teachers that were kidnapped in some communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State. 

Obasa, APC and NAWOJ reacted via their separate statements made available to DAILY POST on Friday. 

DAILY POST reports that the students and the teachers were kidnapped on Friday, 15th May 2026. 

They were rescued by a coordinated combined team of police, military, Department of State Service and other security personnel on Friday. 

The rescue has attracted different reactions from stakeholders across the country. 

Obasa in his reaction, described the rescue as a great victory. 

The Speaker in the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, commended President Bola Tinubu, men of Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Army, and the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for their swift and coordinated efforts. 

He maintained that the combined efforts of all the stakeholders led to the safe rescue of the victims. 

“This rescue is a reminder that when government institutions, security agencies, and communities work hand in hand, we can overcome even the gravest challenges. May this victory inspire renewed commitment to the safety of our schools and the protection of our children,” he said. 

APC in its own reaction, commended the security agents for their professionalism. 

The party, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare, advised governor Seyi Makinde to take all necessary steps to avoid recurrence. 

Sadare also charged the governor to cooperate with the federal government in order to ensure protection of lives and properties in the State. 

“We are happy for the lucky abductees, their family members and every concerned persons who have had to contend will indescribable agony and apprehension in the last 56 days while we also sympathise with the families of the three individuals who lost their lives to the unfortunate incident.

“Meanwhile, it is important for all stakeholders to work together and kick out bandits, abductors and other criminal elements from the Nigerian society because insecurity is antithetical to progress and development.

“As things stand now, state governors have to be more alive to their responsibilities, especially as it concerns security of lives and properties.

“The situation in Oyo state since 2019 has been worrisome because we have a governor who always works at cross purpose with the government at the centre on account of dirty politicking,” the party said. 

NAWOJ in its reaction, said it received the news of the release with happiness.

NAWOJ Chairperson in Oyo State, Omolola Alamu, noted that the association stands in solidarity with the affected families and the victims. 

In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Friday, Alamu, commended the way the situation was handled by the security agents. 

She said, “As mothers, journalists, and advocates for women and children, Oyo Nawoj understands the trauma such incidents inflict.

“Oyo NAWOJ, however, appeals to government to strengthen security architecture in schools across Oyo State, especially in rural and border LGAs like Orire”.