*Photo: Chief Niyi Aborisade*
A lawyer and contestant for the governorship ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Chief Niyi Aborisade, has lauded the collaboration among the various authorities that culminated in the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He particularly commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Nigerian Armed Forces and all the security agencies for the success of the exercise.
Aborisade, in a statement, on Saturday, described the safe return of the victims after 56 days in captivity as a victory for intelligence-driven security operations and a moment of relief for families, residents of state and Nigerians at large.
He praised the Nigerian Army, Office of the National Security Adviser, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters for their professionalism, resilience and coordination throughout the operation.
He said the rescue underscores that when security agencies synergise with the support of government and local communities, criminal elements can be effectively defeated.
“I sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary support to the nation’s security architecture and Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the people of Oyo State throughout this difficult period.
“Their leadership and cooperation with security agencies contributed significantly to this successful outcome,” he said.
The legal practitioner also paid tributes to security personnel, who sustained injuries or paid the ultimate price during the rescue operation, noting that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Aborisade urged security agencies to sustain the ongoing operations aimed at apprehending the remaining members of the kidnapping syndicate and dismantling every criminal network operating within and around the state.
He further called on the federal and the state governments to provide adequate medical care, trauma counselling and rehabilitation for the rescued pupils, teachers and their families to enable them recover fully from the psychological impact of the ordeal.
Reaffirming his commitment to a safer Oyo State, Aborisade security should remain a top priority, as every child deserves access to education without fear, while every resident should be able to live and conduct legitimate businesses in peace.
He prayed that such a tragic incident would never occur again in the state or any part of the country.