The presidential candidate of the Accord Party for the 2027 general election, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the August 8, 2026 Osun State governorship election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), have commended security agencies for the successful rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In separate statements issued at the weekend, both political leaders described the rescue of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity as a significant development in the fight against insecurity.
Hashim said the operation demonstrated that Nigeria’s security agencies possess the capacity to tackle criminal groups when provided with sustained political support and strategic direction.
“We have never doubted the ability of Nigeria’s Defence Forces to secure the country. What has often been lacking is clarity of purpose and unwavering political leadership,” he said.
The presidential candidate recalled the Nigerian military’s role in peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), saying the country’s security forces had consistently demonstrated their capability.
ALSO READ: Good news from Oriire, and lessons from endless insecurity
He said the rescue operation in Oriire should serve as a model for a nationwide campaign against kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal groups.
“The same determination that secured the freedom of the Oriire victims must now be deployed across every community where innocent Nigerians remain in captivity, including parts of Kwara, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Kebbi states. No family should be left to suffer when the state has the capacity to act,” he stated.
Hashim, who is also co-chair of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), urged the federal government to provide sustained strategic direction and stronger political backing for security agencies.
He also called on security chiefs to replicate similar rescue operations across other parts of the country until all kidnapped victims regain their freedom.
“Above all, we must now take the fight to all terrorists occupying different parts of our country through an integrated strategy aimed at bringing an end to the terrorist war on our land,” he added.
Hashim commended officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS) for what he described as their courage, professionalism and sacrifice.
He also congratulated the rescued victims and their families and prayed for their physical, emotional and psychological recovery.
Similarly, Oyebamiji congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and other victims on regaining their freedom after spending more than 50 days in captivity.
He described the rescue as heartwarming, noting that it reflected the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the APC governorship candidate expressed relief that the victims had been reunited with their families after weeks of uncertainty.
He commended President Tinubu for providing the leadership and support that enabled security agencies to intensify efforts leading to the successful rescue.
Oyebamiji also praised the Nigerian military and other security agencies involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.
He further congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Government, and the people of the state on the successful outcome of the rescue mission.
“This successful rescue is a source of joy to all Nigerians. It demonstrates that with determination, cooperation and effective leadership, our security agencies can overcome criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.
“I congratulate the rescued pupils, teachers and every other victim on their freedom. I rejoice with their families, whose prayers and hope have finally been rewarded. I also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Nigerian military and all security agencies whose coordinated efforts made this rescue possible.
“We must continue to support our security agencies with timely information and collective vigilance while praying for lasting peace and security across our nation,” Oyebamiji said.
He prayed for the continued recovery of the rescued victims and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies in efforts to address insecurity across the country.