The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed joy over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their return as a moment of thanksgiving for the entire nation.
In a statement issued following the release of the victims, Obi said he was deeply relieved by the development and commended the security agencies and all individuals who played roles in securing the freedom of the schoolchildren and their teachers after weeks in captivity.
The former Anambra State governor described the rescue as heartening news for the affected families, the schools, and Nigerians who had anxiously awaited the victims’ safe return.
“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped,” Obi said.
He extended appreciation to everyone involved in the operation, particularly members of the nation’s security agencies, whose dedication and persistence he said contributed to the successful outcome.
“I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes,” he stated.
The rescue brought an end to weeks of uncertainty and emotional distress following the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident had sparked nationwide concern, with parents, education stakeholders, civil society organisations and religious leaders repeatedly calling on authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.
While celebrating the successful operation, Obi cautioned that the incident should serve as a reminder of the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
According to him, the repeated abductions of schoolchildren across the country remain unacceptable and require decisive action from government at all levels.
He stressed that no child should ever be subjected to the trauma of kidnapping or deprived of the opportunity to learn in a safe environment.
“While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma,” he said.
Obi noted that the recurring attacks on educational institutions highlight the country’s ongoing security challenges and reinforce the need for more effective measures to safeguard lives and property.
He maintained that protecting citizens, particularly children, remains the primary responsibility of every government and called for renewed commitment to ensuring that schools are adequately secured.
“The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government,” Obi stated.
The former governor also emphasised the importance of creating a secure learning environment where children can pursue their education without fear of violence, terrorism or abduction.
According to him, every Nigerian child deserves the opportunity to attend school in peace and safety, free from the constant threat posed by criminal elements.
“Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear,” he said.
He urged governments, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders to work together in building a nation where schools are protected and education is not disrupted by insecurity.
Obi further stressed that Nigeria must remain committed to creating an environment where every child can realise his or her potential without the fear of being kidnapped.
“We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction,” he added.
The presidential candidate also rejoiced with the rescued pupils, their teachers, parents, families and school communities, describing their safe return as a source of hope for the nation.
“I rejoice with the children, their families, their schools, and all Nigerians on this heartening development,” Obi said.
He concluded his message with his familiar expression of optimism about the country’s future, saying, “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
The successful rescue has been widely welcomed across the country, with many Nigerians expressing gratitude to the security agencies and hoping that the operation will mark a turning point in efforts to combat kidnapping and restore confidence in the safety of schools nationwide.
