Oyo schoolchildren’s rescue shows Tinubu’s resolve to protect Nigerians, says Alausa

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Saturday said the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians and ensuring schools remain safe for teaching and learning.

Alausa, who commended President Tinubu for providing leadership throughout the rescue operation, also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the nation’s security agencies for their collaboration, which led to the safe recovery of the victims and the arrest of the suspected kidnappers.

The minister’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah.

He described the rescue as a significant victory against criminality and a demonstration of the Federal Government’s determination to safeguard children across the country.

“The successful rescue of these innocent children and their teachers is a moment of great relief for the nation. It reflects the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protect the lives of Nigerians and demonstrates the growing effectiveness of collaboration among the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and our security agencies,” Alausa said.

He congratulated President Tinubu on the successful operation and applauded Governor Makinde for supporting the rescue efforts from the onset of the incident.

The minister also commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security and intelligence agencies for what he described as their professionalism, courage and coordinated efforts in securing the release of the victims without harm.

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“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, I congratulate Mr. President on this important achievement. I also commend the Oyo State Government for its support and commitment throughout this difficult period, and sincerely appreciate the bravery, patriotism and tireless efforts of all the security personnel whose dedication made this rescue possible. Their collective efforts have restored hope to the affected families and reassured Nigerians that our institutions remain resolute in confronting criminality,” he added.

Alausa expressed sympathy to the rescued pupils, teachers and their families for the emotional trauma they experienced during their captivity and prayed for their speedy physical and psychological recovery.

He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to strengthening school security nationwide through sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

The minister also urged parents, school authorities and communities to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely information to keep schools safe.

The abduction of the pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area sparked nationwide outrage and heightened concerns over insecurity in schools. The incident prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers to threaten a nationwide strike, while the National Association of Nigerian Students mobilised protests and the Nigeria Labour Congress expressed solidarity with the teachers, demanding the immediate rescue of the victims and improved security in schools.

The Federal Ministry of Education had repeatedly assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was working closely with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to secure the victims’ freedom, while also commending the eventual suspension of the teachers’ strike following progress in the rescue efforts.

After weeks in captivity, the pupils and teachers were safely rescued through a coordinated operation involving the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.