…salute Tinubu, security forces
An Oyo State House of Assembly candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulrasaq Abdulganeey, popularly known as Mr GRA, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have commended the Federal Government and Nigerian security agencies over the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
- …salute Tinubu, security forces
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In a statement issued on Monday, Abdulganeey described the rescue operation as a defining moment that has restored hope to parents and reaffirmed public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.
“I join millions of Oyo people and Nigerians in celebrating the safe return of our innocent children and their teachers. This rescue proves that when government shows political will and security agencies work in synergy, no criminal element can hold our people to ransom,” he said.
The APC House of Assembly hopeful commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing decisive national leadership that contributed to the successful rescue of the victims.
He also lauded the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their bravery, professionalism, and sacrifice in combing difficult terrains to secure the victims.
Abdulganeey, however, warned that rescue operations alone would not end kidnapping in the state. He called for urgent investment in a structured grassroots intelligence network involving traditional rulers, community vigilantes and local hunters.
“Our forefathers secured the Old Oyo Empire for over 600 years not just with might, but with intelligence drawn from the grassroots. We must return to that model. Schools in rural communities like those in Oriire must not be left vulnerable,” he said.
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He urged the Oyo State Government to urgently deploy trained security personnel to all public schools in border and rural local government areas, institutionalise community intelligence gathering through Baales, Mogajis and youth leaders, and provide trauma counselling and educational support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
The APC candidate sympathised with the families of the victims, saying no parent should endure the trauma of not knowing the whereabouts of a child.
“This victory must not make us complacent. Let it be the foundation for a new security doctrine in Oyo State—one that is proactive, intelligence-driven, and people-centred,” he added.
Abdulganeey also welcomed efforts by the federal government to advance the proposed state police initiative, describing it as a positive step towards addressing insecurity across the country.
He expressed optimism that state policing would strengthen grassroots security and improve the nation’s capacity to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
Similarly, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has commended Nigeria’s security forces for the successful rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers after 56 days in captivity.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Ayenigba, the party also mourned the death of a gallant military officer who lost his life during the rescue operation.
According to the statement, the party praised the unity of purpose, professionalism and bravery displayed during the intelligence-led, multi-agency operation that secured the victims’ freedom.
“The party notes with a sense of national pride the unity of purpose, impeccable professionalism and gallantry displayed during the month-long intelligence-led joint rescue operation,” the statement said.
The SDP noted that although the victims endured a traumatic ordeal following their abduction on May 15, 2026, the successful rescue demonstrated what could be achieved through effective leadership and coordinated national action.
“The success of this rescue operation reinforces the consistent position of the SDP that everything wrong with Nigeria can be corrected through the right politics, the right attitude and proper deployment of leadership capacity in an atmosphere of commitment to the national interest and public good,” the party stated.
While celebrating the reunion of the rescued pupils and teachers with their families, the party paid tribute to the late Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, who was killed during the operation.
“The party salutes the courage and sacrifice of the fallen officer for restoring hope to traumatised families and paying the ultimate price in service to the nation. His sacrifice, and those of other fallen heroes, will forever be remembered,” the statement added.
The SDP also urged the federal government to intensify efforts to address poverty, hunger and social injustice, which it identified as underlying causes of insecurity across the country.
The party expressed hope that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges and that democracy would increasingly translate into improved safety, protection of lives and property, and sustainable national development.