The pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending more than 50 agonizing days in captivity. Their release brings immense relief not only to their families but also to all Nigerians who followed their harrowing ordeal with hope and prayers.
The Federal Government, President Bola Tinubu, the security agencies, and all individuals whose efforts contributed to the safe return of these innocent children and their teachers are commended. Every life preserved deserves to be celebrated, and this successful rescue operation warrants commendation.
However, observing the rescued children raises serious concern. They appear visibly emaciated, weak, and malnourished following weeks in captivity.
Beyond celebrating their return, the immediate priority must be their physical, emotional, and psychological rehabilitation. These children require comprehensive medical care, adequate nutrition, trauma counseling, and sustained support to aid their recovery from the trauma they endured.
“Rescue is only the first step; rehabilitation is equally critical.”
Based on available reports, all the abducted pupils and teachers have been rescued. Significantly, no parent has come forward to report that a child remains missing. This suggests that the operation achieved its objective, for which we are grateful.
While we celebrate this success, we must also learn vital lessons from it. The greatest triumph against insecurity lies not only in rescuing victims after an attack but in preventing such attacks altogether. Oyo State, like every other state, must strengthen its security framework through increased investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance, community policing, rapid response mechanisms, and the protection of schools and vulnerable communities.
More importantly, the security challenges confronting the South-West demand a coordinated regional response. Regardless of political affiliation or any differences that may arise among governors in the South-West, they must work unanimously and pursue a common goal. This unity of purpose is one of the most effective ways to eradicate kidnapping, banditry, and the payment of ransom that have become prevalent in the South-West. All governors in the region must collaborate closely by sharing intelligence, synchronizing security operations, and formulating a unified strategy to combat these crimes. Criminals do not recognize state boundaries, and our response must reflect the same level of coordination.
“We must not become strangers in our own land. Our people deserve to live, work, and send their children to school without fear. The protection of lives remains the primary responsibility of government, and every necessary measure must be taken to ensure that no family suffers this kind of trauma again.”
Today, we rejoice with the rescued children, their teachers, and their families. We appreciate everyone who facilitated their freedom. At the same time, this incident should serve as a reminder that lasting peace can only be achieved through proactive security measures, stronger intergovernmental collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding every Nigerian child.
May this rescue signify not just the end of a painful chapter, but the beginning of a more secure future for Oyo State, the South-West, and Nigeria as a whole.
Signed:
Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and Judicial Reform
