PDP, Sowore hails rescue of kidnapped Oyo schoolboy, teacher

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has hailed the successful rescue of kidnapped students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of ​​Oyo State, and described their release after weeks of being held hostage as encouraging news for the country.

In a statement issued on Friday by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP expressed relief at the safe return of the victims, and said that the development brought hope to their families and the community at large.

“The Peoples Democratic Party welcomes the safe return of students and teachers who were kidnapped in Oyo State several months ago,” the party said.

Although full details of the rescue operation have not been made public, opposition parties praised the collaborative efforts that culminated in the release of the abductees.

“While details of the rescue are still limited, we commend the Federal Government, Oyo State government, security agencies and all individuals and organizations whose efforts contributed to the safe return of the victims,” the statement added.

The PDP described the incident as a painful reflection of the security challenges in Nigeria, and stressed that schools must remain places where children and teachers can learn and work without fear of violence.

According to the party, access to education should not expose anyone to the trauma of kidnapping.

“No one should experience such trauma in the pursuit of education,” he said.

The party further called on the Federal Government to strengthen security measures across the country to prevent similar attacks, and emphasized that safeguarding lives and property remains the government’s primary responsibility.

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“We call on the Federal Government to take firm steps to prevent the recurrence of such heinous acts. The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and is the minimum irreducible responsibility that our country and citizens deserve,” the PDP said.

Responding to the development, Sowore welcomed the release of the victims and appreciated all those who contributed to ensuring their freedom.

“The teachers and children kidnapped from Orire in Ogbomoso in Oyo State have all been released!

“I extend my sincere thanks and respectful greetings to all those who worked tirelessly and contributed in one way or another to make their liberation a reality. Welcome home!” he wrote in X.

The rescued students and teachers had spent 57 days in captivity after gunmen attacked schools in Orire Local Government Area, an incident that sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over insecurity in educational institutions.

Earlier, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described this development as a “huge relief,” and expressed gratitude to security officials and everyone involved in the operation that secured the freedom of the victims.

The Presidency also confirmed that the victims were rescued alive in a coordinated operation carried out by security agencies.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said eight suspected kidnappers had been arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of Foreign Services, while several other members of the criminal gang were neutralized during the rescue mission.

He also stated that the operation was carried out without fulfilling the kidnappers’ request to release one of their detained kingpins, who is still on trial for terrorism-related offences.