‘Day of thanksgiving’, Ajadi lauds rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has described the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as “a day of thanksgiving,” congratulating Governor Seyi Makinde, the victims’ families and the people of the state on the successful operation.

Reacting to the development on Friday, Ajadi said the release of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted at Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area was a great relief and a moment of joy, noting that his thoughts and prayers had remained with the victims and their families throughout the period of captivity.

He recalled that during a political gathering held at Olomi Market Junction in Oluyole Local Government Area on June 25, where thousands of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party defected to the APM, he publicly prayed for the safe return of the abducted pupils and their teachers.

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At the event, Ajadi had said: “We pray that Almighty God grants the abducted children safety and that they are reunited with their families as soon as possible.”

Speaking after news of the rescue, he said he was grateful to God that the prayer had been answered.

“Today is a day of thanksgiving. I give all glory to Almighty God for preserving the lives of the schoolchildren and their teachers and for making it possible for them to regain their freedom. This is indeed heartwarming news for their parents, their communities and every well-meaning resident of Oyo State,” he said.

Ajadi congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde on the successful outcome and commended the security agencies and everyone who contributed to securing the victims’ freedom.

“I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, on this cheering development. From the very beginning, the state government demonstrated concern over the plight of the victims. I also appreciate the efforts of the security agencies and all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that these innocent children and their teachers returned home safely,” he said.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing criminal activities, stressing that security is a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents.

“While we celebrate this joyful news, we must not relent in our collective resolve to strengthen security across Oyo State and Nigeria. Every child deserves to learn in a safe environment without fear, and every parent should have confidence that their children will return home safely after school,” he added.

The APM senatorial candidate also sympathised with the families over the emotional trauma they endured during the victims’ captivity and prayed for their complete healing, renewed strength and peace of mind.

Ajadi further expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among governments, security agencies, local communities and other stakeholders would significantly reduce insecurity across the country.

He also called on Nigerians to continue praying for peace, unity and the protection of lives and property, saying the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren should inspire hope and renewed commitment to tackling insecurity.

The release of the abducted pupils and teachers has been widely welcomed across Oyo State, with residents describing it as a major relief after weeks of anxiety and renewing calls for stronger security around schools and rural communities.