Ajadi congratulates Gov. Makinde, families as abducted Oyo schoolchildren, teachers regain freedom

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde, the families of the victims, and the people of Oyo State following the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted at Ahoro-Esinle in Orire Local Government Area.

Reacting to the development on Friday, Ajadi described the victims’ release as a major relief for the state, saying he had remained deeply concerned about their safety since news of the abduction broke.

He recalled that during a political gathering at Olomi Market Junction in Oluyole Local Government Area on June 25, where thousands of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Accord Party defected to the APM, he publicly offered prayers for the safe return of the abducted pupils and their teachers.

At the event, Ajadi had prayed: “We pray that Almighty God grants the abducted children safety and that they are reunited with their families as soon as possible.”

Following news of their release, Ajadi expressed gratitude to God, describing the development as an answered prayer.

“Today is a day of thanksgiving. I give all glory to Almighty God for preserving the lives of the schoolchildren and their teachers and for making it possible for them to regain their freedom. This is indeed heartwarming news for their parents, their communities, and every well-meaning resident of Oyo State,” he said.

Ajadi also congratulated Governor Makinde and commended security agencies and everyone involved in securing the victims’ freedom.

“I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, on this cheering development. From the very beginning, the state government demonstrated concern over the plight of the victims. I also appreciate the efforts of the security agencies and all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that these innocent children and their teachers returned home safely,” he added.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing criminal activities, stressing that security is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens.

“While we celebrate this joyful news, we must not relent in our collective resolve to strengthen security across Oyo State and Nigeria. Every child deserves to learn in a safe environment without fear, and every parent should have confidence that their children will return home safely after school,” Ajadi said.

The APM candidate also sympathised with the families over the emotional trauma they endured during the victims’ captivity and prayed for complete healing, renewed strength, and peace of mind for the released pupils and teachers.

He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among governments, security agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders would significantly reduce insecurity across the country.

Ajadi further called on Nigerians to continue praying for peace, unity, and the protection of lives and property, saying the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren should inspire hope and strengthen national resolve against insecurity.

The release of the abducted pupils and teachers has been widely celebrated across Oyo State, with residents describing it as a welcome relief after days of anxiety and renewing calls for stronger security measures around schools and rural communities.