Oyo schoolchildren: No ransom payment reinforces authority of state – Yakassai

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Tanko Yakasai, has described the rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren and teachers without the payment of ransom as a milestone in the fight against insecurity.

Yakasai, who is the Director General of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), while speaking on Wednesday, frowned at the recent call by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for a United Nations-led investigation into the kidnap saga.

He described the call as “preposterous” and said it should be condemned by all Nigerians, adding that it is divisive and politically motivated.

According to him, the kidnappers, identified as members of the Ansaru terrorist group, had demanded the release of a detained commander in exchange for the victims.

However, the Federal Government maintained its policy of non-capitulation.

“Every victim was rescued alive without ransom being paid or concessions being granted.

“That outcome reinforces the authority of the state and denies criminal organisations the incentive to profit from kidnapping,” he noted.

Yakasai attributed the successful operation to a massive financial overhaul of Nigeria’s defence and security sectors under the current administration.

He highlighted consecutive budget increases designed to modernise the military and boost force readiness under President Tinubu’s administration.

He cited a six-year incremental defence allocation, stating that the administration had fast-tracked several high-profile hardware acquisitions to modernise the Nigerian Air Force:

M-346 FA Fighter Jets: A $1.2 billion procurement deal for 24 jets from Italian aerospace company Leonardo, marking the largest single military aircraft acquisition in West African history.
AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters: An $801 million deal with the United States, including a $455 million purchase of 12 attack helicopters.
Air Defence Facilities: A subsequent $618 million facility approved by the Federal Executive Council to fortify national airspace defence.

Addressing political tensions surrounding the incident, he expressed regret over attempts by opposition figures to politicise the tragedy.

He also highlighted that official records show strong synergy between the Federal Government and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde throughout the 56-day ordeal.

As the country prepares for future political cycles, he urged all political actors to keep national security matters strictly non-partisan.

“Terrorism does not distinguish between political parties, ethnic groups or religious communities; neither should our determination to defeat it,” he stated further.