Photo caption: The freed pupils and teacher. Photo credit: Bayo Onanuga
The Peoples Democratic Party and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, have welcomed the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, commending the efforts that led to their freedom after weeks in captivity.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP described the victims’ return as a welcome development.
“The Peoples Democratic Party welcomes the safe return of the students and teachers who were kidnapped in Oyo State some months ago,” the party said.
The opposition party noted that while the circumstances surrounding the rescue had not been fully disclosed, every individual and institution that contributed to the operation deserved commendation.
“Although details of the rescue remain limited, we commend the Federal Government, Oyo State government, security agencies and all individuals and organisations whose efforts contributed to the safe return of the victims,” the statement added.
The PDP further described the abduction as a tragic reminder of the security challenges confronting the country, stressing that educational institutions should remain safe spaces for learning.
According to the party, no child or teacher should be forced to endure such an ordeal simply for pursuing education.
“No one should be subjected to such trauma in the pursuit of education,” it stated.
The party also urged the Federal Government to take stronger measures to curb insecurity and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
It maintained that protecting lives and property remains the primary constitutional responsibility of any government.
“We call on the Federal Government to take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence of such heinous acts. The protection of lives and property remains the first responsibility of government and is the irreducible minimum that our country and its citizens deserve,” the PDP said.
Also reacting, Sowore expressed gratitude to everyone who played a role in securing the victims’ freedom.
“The teachers and children abducted from Orire in Ogbomoso in Oyo State have all been released!
“My heartfelt gratitude and best regards to everyone who worked tirelessly and contributed in one way or another to making their release possible. Welcome home!” he wrote on X.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described the rescue as “a big relief” after the victims spent 57 days in captivity.
The Presidency had also confirmed that the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued alive during a coordinated security operation.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several others were neutralised during the operation.
He added that the rescue was carried out without acceding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their detained kingpins, who is currently facing prosecution.
