The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and the nation’s security agencies over the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, the Minister described the rescue operation as a major success that underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting schoolchildren and ensuring the safety of learning environments across the country.
Dr. Alausa praised President Tinubu for providing steadfast leadership and ensuring that every necessary effort was deployed until the victims were safely reunited with their families.
He also lauded the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with security agencies, as well as its support for the rescue operation and commitment to the rehabilitation and reintegration of the rescued pupils and teachers.
The Minister equally commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security and intelligence agencies involved in the operation, applauding their professionalism, coordination, and bravery, which led to the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of the suspected kidnappers.
“The successful rescue of these innocent children and their teachers is a moment of great relief for the nation. It reflects the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protect the lives of Nigerians and demonstrates the growing effectiveness of collaboration among the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and our security agencies,” he said.
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, I congratulate Mr. President on this important achievement. I also commend the Oyo State Government for its support throughout this difficult period and sincerely appreciate the courage and dedication of all security personnel whose efforts made this rescue possible.
Their collective actions have restored hope to the affected families and reassured Nigerians of the government’s resolve to tackle insecurity.”
Dr. Alausa expressed sympathy to the rescued pupils, teachers, and their families over the trauma they experienced in captivity and prayed for their speedy physical and psychological recovery.
He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen school security nationwide in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister also urged parents, communities, school authorities, and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies to ensure schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning.
