The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has commended the Federal Government’s efforts that eventually led to the release of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Yilwatda, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information, Abimbola Tooki, also congratulated all the security agencies as well as all Nigerians for the relief occasioned by the release of the victims after days of anxiety, uncertainty and emotional anguish.
The APC National Chairman described the successful rescue as a reassuring demonstration of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians. He noted that the painstaking collaboration among the nation’s security agencies, working in close coordination with the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, played a critical role in securing the safe release of the pupils and their teachers.
Professor Yilwatda expressed profound sympathy for the victims and their families, acknowledging the immense psychological, emotional and mental trauma they endured throughout their captivity. He prayed that God would grant them complete healing, renewed strength and the courage to overcome the painful memories of their ordeal.
He particularly commended the gallantry, professionalism and resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local intelligence networks and every other security and emergency agency that contributed to the operation. According to him, the successful outcome underscores the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and sustained collaboration in confronting the nation’s security challenges.
The APC National Chairman also applauded the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government and security agencies throughout the rescue efforts. He said the seamless partnership between both levels of government demonstrates that national security is a shared responsibility that transcends political affiliations and must always be pursued in the overriding interest of the Nigerian people.
Professor Yilwatda reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to guaranteeing the safety and security of every Nigerian. He stated that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the administration remains resolute in strengthening the nation’s security architecture, improving intelligence gathering, deploying modern technology and providing the necessary support to security agencies to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven anywhere in the country.
“The safety of Nigerians remains the foremost responsibility of government. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is leaving no stone unturned in his determination to rid the country of criminality and create a secure environment where every Nigerian can live, work, learn and pursue legitimate livelihoods without fear,” he stated.
While celebrating the safe return of the captives, Professor Yilwatda urged Nigerians to continue supporting the security agencies by providing credible and timely information capable of preventing criminal activities and aiding ongoing security operations. He stressed that defeating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes requires collective vigilance and active collaboration between citizens and security institutions.
The APC National Chairman reaffirmed the party’s confidence in the ongoing security reforms of the Tinubu administration and assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue to intensify efforts until every part of the country is safe, peaceful and secure for all.