The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola, have expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and security agencies over the successful rescue of the pupils, teachers, and other victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In separate statements, the two religious leaders described the victims’ release after nearly 60 days in captivity as a welcome development and urged sustained efforts to improve security across the country.
Bishop Badejo, whose Episcopal jurisdiction covers Oriire Local Government Area where the victims were abducted, described the release as “a sweet relief” and thanked God for making it possible.
“I thank God Almighty who made this possible,” he said.
“Sweet, sweet relief. That is my feeling on the news of the release of the 45 teachers and learners kidnapped almost 60 days ago in Oyo State.”
The cleric commended President Tinubu, Governor Makinde, security agencies, the media and all Nigerians who prayed and advocated for the victims’ safe return.
“Huge congratulations and appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to all the security organisations and operatives, to the media and to everybody who prayed, pressured, and fasted for this joyful purpose,” he said.
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He also congratulated the families of the rescued victims while sympathising with those who lost loved ones during the incident.
“Felicitations to the families who are going to welcome their members back after such a long period of agony. Our sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the whole saga,” he added.
Bishop Badejo said the incident should serve as a wake-up call for both government and citizens to strengthen collaboration in addressing insecurity.
“This ugly episode should serve as a wake-up call to all of us, government and citizens, to collaborate more and do our utmost to secure our lives and property together,” he stated.
He urged the government and relevant stakeholders to provide adequate rehabilitation and psychological support for the rescued victims to aid their recovery after nearly two months in captivity.
Similarly, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola, commended President Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful operation that secured the victims’ release.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Faysol Oluwakemi, Akinola described the rescue as a moment of relief for the victims’ families and the nation.
He praised President Tinubu for his commitment to protecting lives and property, saying the successful rescue underscored the importance of sustained support for the country’s security architecture.
The Islamic leader also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their professionalism and coordinated efforts.
Akinola equally congratulated Governor Makinde for his leadership throughout the period of the abduction and applauded the resilience of the victims’ families and the people of Oyo State.
While celebrating the successful rescue, he called for stronger collaboration among the federal government, state governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and citizens to tackle kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the country.
He also prayed for the full physical, emotional and psychological recovery of the rescued victims and for lasting peace, security, and unity in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
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