EDITORIAL: Beyond the Oyo rescue: It’s time to make Nigeria’s schools truly safe

The rescue of the kidnapped pupils and their teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State is welcome news for every Nigerian. After spending 56 painful days in captivity, the victims have finally returned to their families. It is a moment of joy, relief and thanksgiving. Parents who feared the worst can now embrace their children again. Teachers who were taken while carrying out their duty have regained their freedom.

The rescue was not by chance. It was the result of a well-planned operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and other security agencies. Reports also showed that several kidnappers were killed while eight suspects were arrested during the operation. This shows what is possible when security agencies work together with local communities.

President Bola Tinubu deserves credit for encouraging the security agencies to remain focused until every victim was rescued. The security forces also deserve praise for refusing to give up despite the difficult terrain and the long period of the operation. Their efforts have given hope to many Nigerians who often lose confidence whenever kidnapping cases drag on for weeks or months.

But while the rescue is good news, it should not make us forget the bigger problem. The real success is not rescuing victims after they have been kidnapped. The real success is stopping kidnappers from striking in the first place.

The Oyo abduction shocked many Nigerians because such large attacks on schools have mostly happened in the northern part of the country. This incident shows that no region is completely safe from the growing threat of terrorism and kidnapping. Criminal groups are spreading into new areas, taking advantage of weak security, forests and poor intelligence in some communities.

Schools should never become hunting grounds for criminals. Children go to school to learn, not to live in fear. Teachers go to classrooms to build the future of the nation, not to risk being taken hostage. If parents begin to fear sending their children to school, the country’s education system will suffer greatly.

The government must now move beyond celebrating this rescue. It should strengthen security around schools, especially those in rural communities. More security personnel should be deployed to vulnerable areas. Communities should be encouraged to report suspicious movements quickly. Modern technology, including drones and surveillance equipment, should also become part of efforts to protect schools.

At the same time, the rescued pupils and teachers will need proper care. Spending nearly two months in the hands of kidnappers can leave emotional and mental scars. They should receive medical attention, counselling and support before returning to normal life. Their families also deserve help after going through weeks of fear and uncertainty.

Justice is equally important. Those arrested must face the law. If criminals know they will surely be caught and punished, it will discourage others from taking part in kidnapping. Nigeria cannot continue to allow those who attack innocent children and teachers to escape justice.

The rescue of the Oyo pupils and teachers is a victory for the nation. It reminds us that determined security efforts can produce results. However, it should also serve as a wake-up call. Nigeria cannot celebrate every rescue while kidnappings continue to happen. The country must build a future where children can attend school without fear, teachers can do their work in peace, and parents can send their children to class with confidence instead of anxiety. That is the victory Nigerians truly deserve.