The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Oba Francis Olusola Alao has commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, local government council chairmen and traditional rulers in Ogbomoso Zone on the rescue of school pupils and teachers from abductors.
The children and teachers, who were kidnapped in Ahoro-Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State six weeks ago, were rescued on Friday.
Oba Alao, who played a leading role in coordinating community activities in support of government’s efforts to rescue the abductees, described the rescue as a major success which will rebuild trust in the ability of the government to secure citizens residing in all nooks and crannies of Nigeria.
The monarch, in a statement on Friday, said the good news brought relief to victims’ family members, relations and residents of towns and communities in Oyo State, adding that they can now sleep well as a result of the safe rescue of the abducted children and teachers.
He commended President Tinubu and Governor Makinde for providing the political leadership and demonstrating the will to tackle terrorism and protect citizens.
“By working together at the federal and state levels along with local government officials and traditional rulers, this successful security campaign shows that working together, Nigeria is strong enough to defeat terrorists, bandits and other evil agents in the society.
“I commend President Tinubu and Governor Makinde for choosing the hard but right way to tackle the problem. Theirs was a demonstration of strong leadership at the time it was rightly needed. They have demonstrated how good leadership can restore hope and inspire patriotism.
“My sincere appreciation also goes to all the security forces who worked together, and risked their lives to rescue the abductees. Some of them paid the supreme prize in the course of this national assignment. May God repose their souls and comfort their families.” The statement read in part.
Oba Alao urged residents in rural and border communities to be security conscious and report suspicious activities to the government. He also called on the government to strengthen community security to prevent a recurrence of the Oriire abduction.
