By DAVID ADEOYE

The Oyo State Government has described the rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted on May 15 in Oriire Local Government Area, as a victory for resilience and principled leadership.

This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade.

Oyelade said that the government expressed gratitude that the victims had regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.

“We are happy to report to our people in Oyo State that our children and teachers at Oriire have been released from captivity,” he said.

The commissioner said the successful release marked a significant test of the government’s resolve against criminal elements.

He said that the government remained committed to resisting the payment of ransom despite pressure to adopt what it described as a “quick-fix” approach.

Oyelade stated that by refusing to throw money at bandits to secure a temporary solution, Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration had demonstrated courage and a long-term commitment to tackling kidnapping and banditry.

He said that yielding to ransom demands would only encourage criminals and strengthen their operations.

The commissioner added that the administration’s approach reflected its determination to confront insecurity through pragmatic and sustainable measures rather than actions that could embolden criminal gangs seeking to destabilise the country.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents while continuing to work with security agencies to rid Oyo State of kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, announced the rescue of the abductees this evening on his X handle.

Onanuga said that security operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers during the rescue operation.

He added that some members of the criminal gang were neutralised during the operation.

“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised,” he said. (NAN)