Oyo Rescue: Obi celebrates freed pupils, demands security overhaul

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has welcomed the rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, while calling for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s security system.

Obi, in a statement on his verified X handle on Saturday, expressed relief over the safe return of the victims and commended security personnel and others involved in the operation.

“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped,” Obi said.

He praised those who worked behind the scenes to secure the freedom of the pupils and teachers, describing their efforts as tireless.

However, the former Anambra State governor warned that the successful rescue should not overshadow the wider challenge of kidnapping across the country.

Obi said repeated attacks, especially those targeting schoolchildren, showed the need for stronger security measures to protect Nigerians.

“While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma,” he said.

He added that children should be able to attend school without fear of violence or abduction.

“Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear,” Obi stated.

The opposition leader also congratulated the rescued pupils, their families, schools, and Nigerians over the development, saying the incident reinforced the need to build a safer country.

His comments followed confirmation from the Presidency that the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued alive during a coordinated security operation.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while some others were killed during the operation.

He said the rescue was carried out without any agreement to release a detained kidnap kingpin demanded by the abductors.

The rescued pupils and teachers later expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for securing their freedom.

President Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also commended the security agencies for the successful operation.