Political Firestorm Erupts Over Oyo School Abduction Rescue

Prominent political figures in Nigeria, Barr. Isaacs Kekemeke, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Ondo South, and Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party, have both extended their commendations to President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies following the successful rescue of pupils and teachers who were abducted in Oyo State. Both leaders underscored that this operation serves as a strong demonstration of the federal government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country, reflecting the heightened effectiveness, professionalism, and resilience of Nigeria’s security architecture under President Tinubu’s leadership.

Barr. Kekemeke, in a statement, described the rescue as a clear testament to the federal government’s dedication to protecting its citizens. He noted that the safe return of the victims brought immense relief to their families, the people of Oyo State, and all Nigerians who had anxiously awaited their release. Kekemeke lauded the officers and personnel of the various security agencies involved, commending their patriotism, courage, dedication, and sacrifices that culminated in the successful operation. He further urged Nigerians to maintain their support for security agencies by providing timely and credible information, emphasizing that such cooperation is vital for intelligence gathering and enhancing efforts to combat criminality nationwide. He reiterated that national security is a collective responsibility, requiring robust collaboration between government institutions and citizens, and concluded by congratulating the rescued individuals and their families, while praying for their full recovery from the traumatic experience.

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the successful rescue of victims, who had been held captive for approximately 55 days in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, unequivocally demonstrates that criminal gangs can be defeated when confronted with strong political backing and strategic leadership. He regarded the operation as a significant victory for Nigeria and a crucial boost to public confidence in the country’s security institutions. Olawepo-Hashim asserted that Nigeria’s security forces possess the inherent capacity to effectively tackle insecurity when provided with consistent political support and clear strategic direction, arguing that the nation’s security challenges are primarily due to the absence of sustained political leadership and a coordinated national strategy, rather than any inability on the part of the armed forces.

Recalling the distinguished record of the Nigerian military in international peacekeeping operations, particularly their pivotal roles in ending conflicts and restoring peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), Olawepo-Hashim stated that the successful rescue of the Oriire victims should serve as a practical template for launching a comprehensive nationwide offensive against kidnappers, bandits, and other violent criminal groups operating across various states, including Kwara, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Kebbi. He stressed that no family should be left to suffer when the state possesses the capacity to act. The Accord Party flag bearer, also Co-Chair of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), called upon the Federal Government to provide even stronger political backing and sustained strategic direction to security agencies to intensify operations. He also urged security chiefs to replicate similar rescue operations across all affected parts of Nigeria until every kidnapped victim is freed and criminal networks are completely dismantled, advocating for an integrated strategy to end the