Sunday Igboho Weighs In on Rescue of Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has commended the Federal Government for refusing to concede to the demands made by terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Naijapunchnews reports that Igboho made the remarks in a statement issued by his media office while reacting to the successful rescue of the abducted victims after nearly two months in captivity.

The activist praised the Nigerian military and other security agencies for what he described as their intelligence-driven approach and strategic coordination, which led to the safe release of the pupils and teachers.

According to him, yielding to the terrorists’ demands either by paying ransom or releasing detained terrorists would have encouraged further criminal activities and strengthened armed groups operating across the country.

“I want to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military, the Police, the Department of State Services and other paramilitary agencies for their painstaking efforts, which resulted in the freedom of the pupils and their teachers.

“This development not only brought relief and joy to their distraught families, it has also rekindled the hope of citizens in the commitment of the Federal Government to tackle criminality and ensure a safe and secure environment.”

Commends Security Agencies

Igboho also applauded the collaborative efforts of the country’s security institutions, saying the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated action against terrorism and kidnapping.

He specifically commended the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the military, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the leadership of other security agencies for working together to secure the victims’ freedom.

“It is also crucial to laud the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the military, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the heads of all security agencies for their seamless collaboration, which culminated in the release of all the pupils and their teachers.”

Rejecting Terrorists’ Demands Was the Right Decision

The Yoruba Nation agitator maintained that the Federal Government acted responsibly by refusing to negotiate on the terrorists’ reported demands.

He argued that meeting such conditions would only embolden criminal groups, encourage future kidnappings, and provide additional resources for terrorist operations.

Igboho further expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity, particularly in Oke-Ogun and other parts of Oyo State.

“Since the day the pupils were abducted, Tinubu has spared no effort to ensure their release. I want to emphatically state and assure that the government’s resolve to tackle criminal networks in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole is not in doubt.”

He added that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen collaboration between conventional security agencies and local security outfits to combat criminal activities and improve safety in rural communities.

“The Federal Government’s current synergy with local security organisations to confront criminals in communities will continue unabated as we are absolutely committed to exploring all legal means to create a conducive environment for farmers and inhabitants of rural communities in the South-West.”

Condoles Bereaved Families

While celebrating the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, Igboho also extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones during the abduction.

He particularly sympathised with the family of Michael Oyedokun, the teacher who was reportedly beheaded while in captivity, praying that they find the strength to bear the loss.

Igboho noted that although the safe return of the remaining victims was a significant achievement, the tragic loss of lives during the ordeal underscored the need for sustained efforts to eliminate kidnapping and terrorism across the country.