Speaker Tajudeen, CAN hail Oyo students, teachers’ rescue

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Sunday congratulated Nigerians on the safe rescue of the teachers, pupils, and students kidnapped by terrorists in Oyo State, describing their safe return as “a pleasant close to a bad chapter in the country’s history.”

Speaker Tajudeen commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing leadership, and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his cooperation with the Federal Government and security forces while the rescue operations lasted.

The Speaker, who hailed the gallantry of the Armed Forces, paramilitary, and intelligence agencies, as well as non-state security outfits, said the successful rescue has renewed confidence in their capacity and capability, as evidenced by the nationwide jubilation that followed the news.

Speaker Tajudeen noted that the relief was not only for the families and communities of the abductees but also for all Nigerians who shared their pains and imagined the terror they might have gone through.

While calling for concerted efforts to protect schools and other public facilities that terrorists may consider soft targets, the Speaker urged security forces to rescue other Nigerians in captivity across the country.

Speaker Tajudeen restated the commitment of the House to providing legislative interventions that will aid the safety of life and property as well as the country’s territorial integrity.

Terrorists, on May 15, 2026, simultaneously attacked Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, all in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, and kidnapped 39 pupils, students, and seven teachers. While a teacher was shot dead during the operations, another was beheaded days later.

After a 56-day ordeal that gripped the nation, the Presidency on Friday announced the successful rescue operation, with the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosing that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were neutralised.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has welcomed the rescue of pupils, teachers, and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the development as a moment of thanksgiving while urging the government not to relent in efforts to secure the freedom of other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers and terrorists.

In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said it joined the people of Oyo State and Nigerians in thanking God for the safe return of the victims after spending 56 days in captivity.

CAN described the rescue as a day of profound gratitude for the children, teachers, and families who have been reunited after weeks of uncertainty and anguish.

“We give God all the glory for preserving their lives through an ordeal no child or teacher should ever experience,” Okoh said.

CAN also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilantes, and all those involved in the rescue operation.

According to the association, reports that the operation was driven by patience, credible intelligence, and a commitment to protecting innocent lives were encouraging and demonstrated the benefits of coordinated security efforts.

“Every successful rescue reminds us that when our security institutions work together with resolve and professionalism, hope can triumph over fear,” the statement said.

The Christian body equally praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for standing by the affected families throughout the period of captivity and welcomed the state government’s commitment to supporting the rehabilitation of the rescued children and teachers.

While celebrating the successful operation, CAN said it could not ignore the plight of families across the country whose loved ones remain in captivity.

The Christian apex body noted that although parents in Oriire could finally embrace their children again, many families in states such as Borno and Niger continue to live in uncertainty, praying for the safe return of abducted relatives.

“Their pain is no less real because it attracts fewer headlines. Their tears are no less bitter because the cameras have moved elsewhere,” the statement said.

Citing Psalm 82:3, CAN stressed that every child is a gift from God and called on Nigerians to show equal compassion to all victims of insecurity, irrespective of geography, ethnicity, or religion.

It said the successful rescue in Oyo should strengthen national resolve to secure the release of every Nigerian still held by terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups.

CAN also emphasised that rescue operations should be followed by comprehensive rehabilitation programmes, noting that children, teachers, and their families would require counselling, medical care, and emotional support to recover from the trauma of their experience.

CAN urged governments, faith-based organisations, and humanitarian groups to collaborate in providing the necessary assistance for the victims’ recovery.

The association further called for improved security around schools, insisting that educational institutions must once again become safe spaces for learning rather than targets for criminal attacks.

“Our schools must once again become places of learning, not places of fear. No parent should have to choose between giving a child an education and keeping that child alive,” the statement added.

CAN appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security personnel and praying for the safe return of all those still in captivity, while praying for God’s protection over security operatives risking their lives to defend the nation.

The association maintained that the country’s celebration would only be complete when all remaining captives regain their freedom, and Nigerians can move about without fear.