… urges stronger security
The Labour Party, Oyo State Chapter, has described the safe return of abducted teachers and pupils of Oriire Local Government as a sign that deliberate governance and coordinated security action can restore public confidence in Nigeria.
- … urges stronger security
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Atayese Tunji Sadiq, on Sunday in Ibadan, the party said the release of the victims some weeks after their abduction brought “great joy and relief to families, friends, and every well-meaning citizen across the state.”
The news, it noted, ended weeks of anxiety that gripped communities in Oriire and beyond.
Citing former Dubai ruler, Mohammed Bin Rashid, the party stressed that the primary duty of government is to make citizens happy.
“Moments like this remind us that when leaders remain committed to protecting lives and genuinely improving the well-being of the people, society will continue to experience moments of hope and celebration like this,” the statement read.
The Labour Party specifically congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for their leadership during the crisis. It also commended all security agencies for what it called their “commitment, sacrifice, and coordinated efforts” that made the successful rescue possible.
ALSO READ: Gbenga Hashim, Oyebamiji hail successful rescue of Oriire kidnap victims
The party prayed that God would grant the President, the Governor, and security operatives “wisdom, strength, and the courage to always do what is right for the people.” It said the successful operation should serve as a template for future interventions in kidnapping and banditry cases across the country.
However, the Labour Party warned that stronger preventive measures must follow celebration. It urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to “work even more closely together to ensure that incidents like this do not happen again.”
The party noted that the protection of lives and property remains one of the primary responsibilities of every government. It said no meaningful development can take place in communities that live under the constant threat of abduction and violence.
Labour Party further called for the immediate rehabilitation and psycho-social support for the rescued teachers and pupils. It said government must go beyond rescue to heal the trauma and psychological stress the victims endured while in captivity.
Reaffirming its own position, the party said its commitment remains to the welfare and well-being of the people of Oyo State.
“At the Labour Party in Oyo State, we will continue to speak up for policies and actions that improve the lives of our citizens,” the statement added.
The party concluded that the true measure of good governance is the quality of life of the people. It pledged to continue holding the government at all levels accountable while supporting every genuine effort to secure lives and restore peace in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.