Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area as a “big relief,” while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for their roles in ending the 56-day ordeal.
Speaking during a meeting with political leaders in Bauchi, the governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the combined security team for ensuring the victims returned home safely.
Makinde said the rescue was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies.
The Presidency also confirmed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were neutralised. It added that the operation was successfully carried out without negotiating for the release of any detained kidnap kingpin.
Reflecting on the incident, Makinde disclosed that the abduction occurred just hours after he announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
According to the governor, he declared his presidential ambition at about 4 p.m., and by 9 a.m. the following day, armed men abducted pupils and teachers from Islamic High School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area.
“I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted,” he said.
Makinde noted that the state had not witnessed a similar mass abduction throughout his seven years in office before the May 15 attack, describing the incident as one of the most difficult security challenges faced by his administration.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies to eliminate kidnapping and other violent crimes, while ensuring the safety of lives and property across Oyo State.
