Rights Monitors, HURMA thanks President Tinubu, Security forces, calls for more effort on constitutional responsibilities.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound relief over the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from the Ori Ire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, describing the operation as a major victory for the country’s security forces.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the military, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Police for the 56-day operation that led to the release of the victims without any collateral damage.
He said eight suspects were arrested while others were neutralized during the intelligence-driven operation.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Ori Ire, Ogbomoso, today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists and led to the arrest of eight of them,” Tinubu said.
The President said the successful operation ended a siege that lasted over 50 days and brought relief to the families and the nation.
He regretted the trauma suffered by the children, their teachers, and the families, and condemned the killing of Mr. Michael Oyedokun during the abduction.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers, and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he said.
Tinubu commended the Oyo State Government for cooperating with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts, and urged it to strengthen security around schools across the state.
He also directed emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical and relief support to the rescued pupils and teachers.
The President expressed gratitude to officers and men of the armed forces, intelligence agencies and the police for their professionalism and resolve.
Also, the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA Global Resource Initiative) has commended President Tinubu and Nigeria’s security forces for the successful rescue and release of kidnapped victims in Oyo State.
The Executive Director of HURMA, Buna Isiak during an open interaction expressed the organization’s appreciation and called for more effort in the constitutional responsibilities of the government.
“We appreciate the quick response, coordination, and professionalism demonstrated by the security agencies in securing the freedom of the victims and reuniting them with their families. This action restores hope in the capacity of the state to protect lives and property.
While celebrating this success, HURMA calls on the Federal Government to do more in fulfilling its primary constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the lives and welfare of all Nigerians, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
‘Kidnapping and insecurity remain major threats to human rights and national development. We urge the government to:
- Strengthen intelligence gathering and community policing across all states.
- Prosecute sponsors and perpetrators of kidnapping to serve as deterrence.
- Support victims with psychosocial care and reintegration support.
“HURMA remains committed to monitoring, documenting, and collaborating with government and security agencies to ensure that every Nigerian enjoys their right to life, security, and dignity.
“We thank President Tinubu for his leadership and we urge sustained effort until no Nigerian lives in fear”.
