The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oyo State Government, and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of pupils and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a significant victory in the country’s ongoing fight against insecurity.
The monarch made the commendation in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, shortly after the victims regained their freedom following 56 days in captivity. He described the rescue as a welcome development that had brought relief to the affected families and restored hope to many Nigerians who had followed the incident with concern.
According to the Ooni, the successful operation reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens and demonstrates that sustained collaboration among security agencies can produce meaningful results in addressing the country’s security challenges.
Oba Ogunwusi praised President Tinubu for providing leadership and support for efforts aimed at improving security across the country. He noted that the rescue operation underscored the importance of strong political will, effective intelligence gathering, and coordinated security responses in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The royal father also applauded the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies involved in the operation. He said the professionalism, courage, resilience, and dedication displayed by the security personnel were instrumental in ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He further acknowledged the role played by the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde, stating that the close cooperation between the state government and federal security agencies contributed significantly to the success of the rescue mission. According to him, effective collaboration among all stakeholders remains one of the most important strategies for tackling insecurity across the country.
The Ooni stressed that the rescue should serve as an encouragement to security personnel who continue to put their lives at risk in the service of the nation. He urged them to remain steadfast in their constitutional responsibility of protecting Nigerians and maintaining peace across all parts of the country.
While celebrating the successful outcome of the operation, the monarch expressed sympathy for the emotional trauma experienced by the rescued pupils, teachers, and their families during the period of captivity. He prayed for their quick recovery and encouraged the relevant authorities to provide the necessary medical care, psychological support, and other forms of assistance needed to help them fully recover from the ordeal.
Oba Ogunwusi also appealed to communities across Nigeria to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crimes and tracking down criminal elements. He noted that security is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation between government institutions, local communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders.
The traditional ruler reiterated that the fight against kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of criminality requires sustained commitment, improved intelligence sharing, and continued investment in security infrastructure. He expressed confidence that with greater cooperation among all levels of government and the security agencies, Nigeria would record more successes in restoring peace and stability.
The Ooni congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers, their parents, and other family members on their safe return, describing their freedom as a moment of joy and thanksgiving. He prayed that such incidents would become increasingly rare as the country strengthens efforts to combat insecurity.
He also called on Nigerians to remain united and continue supporting lawful efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, and national development, expressing optimism that the country would overcome its security challenges through collective resolve and sustained collaboration among government, security agencies, and the people. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
