‘Govt Should Explain Circumstances Surrounding The Beheading Of Oyo Teacher’ – Falana

There was widespread relief across Oyo State and beyond on Friday after pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area regained their freedom following 56 days in captivity.

The successful rescue marked the end of weeks of anxiety for the victims’ families, residents, and the wider public, who had awaited positive news since the mass abduction occurred.

Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the rescue operation also led to the arrest of eight suspects believed to have participated in the kidnapping.

According to Onanuga, the suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where they are undergoing further interrogation as investigations continue.

He added that security operatives neutralised several other members of the criminal gang during the operation, describing the rescue mission as a significant success in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.

The presidential aide further revealed that the victims were rescued without the Federal Government yielding to the kidnappers’ demands.

According to him, the abductors had reportedly demanded the release of a Boko Haram commander currently standing trial on terrorism-related charges as a condition for freeing the schoolchildren and their teachers.

Despite the pressure, Onanuga said the government refused to negotiate on those terms, while security agencies intensified efforts that eventually resulted in the safe rescue of the victims.

The operation has been widely praised as a demonstration of the government’s resolve not to compromise national security or grant concessions to terrorist groups.

Falana Demands Explanation Over Teacher’s Death

Reacting to the rescue, prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, congratulated the rescued pupils and teachers but called on the Federal Government to provide a full account of the circumstances surrounding the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers.

Falana said Nigerians deserve a transparent explanation regarding how the teacher lost his life while in captivity.

According to the senior lawyer, while the rescue of the remaining victims is commendable, the reported killing of the teacher cannot be ignored and should be thoroughly investigated.

“While congratulating the rescued abductees, the government should explain the circumstances surrounding the killing of the teacher who was reportedly beheaded by the terrorist gang,” Falana said.

Calls for Improved School Security

Falana also urged the Federal Government to use the ongoing annual school vacation to strengthen security around schools nationwide in order to prevent future attacks.

He stressed that schools located in rural communities remain particularly vulnerable to kidnappings and terrorist attacks and should receive priority attention in any new security strategy.

According to him, governments at both the federal and state levels should work closely with security agencies to improve surveillance, deploy more personnel to vulnerable areas, and implement proactive measures before schools resume for the next academic session.

“The government should take advantage of the annual vacation to secure all schools, particularly those located in rural areas across the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory,” Falana added.

The rescue of the Oriire pupils and teachers has been welcomed by many Nigerians as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against insecurity. However, Falana’s call for accountability over the death of the slain teacher and stronger protection for schools underscores the continuing concerns about the safety of students and teachers across the country.