Freed Oyo children, teachers: CAN, rescued Principal Alamu’s husband organise thanksgiving

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oyo state government, and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire local government area of Oyo state.

In a statement issued Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, the Ooni described the victims’ safe return after about 56 days in captivity as a major relief to their families and a sign of government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.

The Ooni praised the professionalism, bravery, and dedication shown by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other agencies involved in the rescue operation.

He also commended President Tinubu for providing the leadership and support that helped facilitate the operation.

Ooni Ogunwusi appreciated the Oyo state government, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the victims’ return.

He congratulated the parents, guardians, and loved ones of the rescued pupils and teachers, saying the reunion marks the end of “a painful period” of anxiety, prayers, and uncertainty.

While commending the success, the Ooni urged security agencies and relevant authorities not to relent, especially in preventing future attacks on schools and vulnerable communities.

He called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community engagement, and continuous collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions.

The monarch noted that traditional rulers remain strategic partners in peace and security due to their closeness to the people and understanding of local environments.

…Abbas, Kalu too

In a similar commendation, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, also celebrated the successful rescue of the kidnapped teachers and students.

 Abbas described their safe return as “a pleasant close to a bad chapter in the country’s history.”

 The speaker in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Kirshi, commended President Tinubu, for showing leadership, and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state for his cooperation.

“The relief was not only for the families and communities of the abductees but also for all Nigerians who shared their pains and imagined the terror they might have gone through,” he said.

Also, Deputy Speaker Kalu, in his message through his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, rejoiced with Nigerians, particularly the parents and relatives of the victims.

According to him, President Tinubu had fulfilled his promise of not resting on his oars until the abducted children were returned safely.

 …CAN at Alamu’s thanksgiving

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ogbomoso branch, Sunday, held a thanksgiving service for the rescue of Principal of Community High School, Ahoro Esienle in Oriire local government area of Oyo state, Mrs. Rachael Alamu.

Speaking at the thanksgiving service held at Oke-Elerin Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, Reverend Segun Oyelowo said the Christian body and Nigeria as a whole, have every reason to thank God for the safe returns of the abducted teachers and students after 56 days in captivity.

Oyelowo thanked the federal government, the Oyo state government, the security agencies and eminent citizens of the country for the rescue of the abductees.

At the service attended by relations of the rescued principal, including her husband, Professor Wole Alamu, worshippers were full of praises to God for sparing the lives of the victim and also commended the Tinubu-led federal government, the security agencies, and the local vigilante for their efforts during the rescue operation.

The worshippers emphasised that if not for the intervention of God, this service wouldn’t have taken place, saying, “we thank God that all the kidnapped victims are returning back safe and unhurt. We return all the glories to God.”

Also in a statement on behalf of the family, Professor Alamu, the husband of the rescued school principal, commended Tinubu and all that were directly or indirectly involved in the rescue operation.

He charged Nigerians urged Nigerians to unite in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country.

According to him, Nigerians, irrespective of their religion, sex, tribe or political affiliation must unite and fight insecurity in the country.

He stressed that the rescue of the victims further convinced them that Nigerians are wonderful people following the outpouring of love from across the country.

“The family of Professor Wole Alamu has expressed deep appreciation to the Almighty God and to all Nigerians (home and abroad), for their prayers, support (morally and financially), and shared efforts, leading to the safe rescue of their loved ones from bandits’ captivity.

“The family urges Nigerians irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations to remain united in tackling the various ills plaguing the country.

“Let us aspire to remake Nigeria where every citizen is safe and is unhindered in pursuing their dream bereft of fear and chaos. We commit the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oyo State, Ogbomosoland, and our security operatives to the hand of God, may God grant us the kind of country our hearts thirst for peaceful and conducive for national and individuals’ prosperity,” he said.

Alamu, while expressing gratitude to traditional rulers, religious groups and leaders, media and other stakeholders who stood by them during the trying period, however sympathised with those that lost their family members in the abduction.

He prayed for the safe return of all victims still in captivity throughout the country.