Residents of Oyo have applauded security operatives for the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the operation as a huge relief after weeks of anxiety while urging authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.
Speaking with newsmen, the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo Youth Council, Oyo Local Government Chapter, Ajadi Isaac Oluwasegun, said the abduction left residents traumatised and created widespread fear across Oriire and neighbouring communities.
According to him, many families temporarily relocated to safer areas, while social and economic activities were disrupted as residents feared further attacks.
“It created fear among the people because no one knew where the next attack could happen. Some families relocated, social gatherings were suspended and many people lived in constant anxiety,” he said.
Ajadi commended the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy and local security operatives for what he described as an intelligence-driven operation that led to the rescue of the victims.
He said the successful operation had restored public confidence in the nation’s security agencies and demonstrated their capacity to respond effectively when supported with credible intelligence.
To prevent a recurrence, he advocated the establishment of state police, stronger local policing structures and dedicated security patrols around schools, stressing that educational institutions must be adequately protected.
Similarly, Ajala Oluwaseun Babatunde from Orolu Local Government said the abduction disrupted academic activities and forced many parents to keep their children away from school over safety concerns.
He recalled visiting Yawota village shortly after the incident, where many homes had been deserted as residents fled the community for fear of further attacks.
“Many families left the community. Schools recorded low attendance, economic activities slowed and even farmers became afraid to go to their farms,” he said.
Although he said he had limited details about the rescue operation, Ajala acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Army, the Oyo State Amotekun Corps and local hunters, whom he said played key roles in securing the victims’ release.
Describing the rescue as a major relief, he urged governments at all levels to provide security agencies with adequate logistics and resources to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Also reacting, former member of the Oyo State Youth Parliament and aspirant for the chairmanship of Oriire Local Government, Joshua Ojo Aderemi Akin, popularly known as J’Icon, congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families on their release after 56 days in captivity.
In a statement, J’Icon commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, intelligence operatives, traditional rulers and community leaders for their collaborative efforts in securing the victims’ freedom.
He also paid tribute to security personnel and civilians who lost their lives during the crisis and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
J’Icon further pledged to prioritise community safety, intelligence gathering and improved collaboration among security stakeholders if elected chairman of Oriire Local Government.
The abducted pupils and teachers regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the multi-agency rescue operation, according to the Presidency.
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