ADC to Tinubu Government: Rescue of Oyo Pupils Must Spur Efforts to Free Others
ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity, while urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party commended the security agencies and everyone involved in the operation that led to the victims’ freedom.
ADC also congratulated the families of the rescued victims, describing the development as a source of relief after weeks of uncertainty and trauma.
While celebrating the successful rescue, the party stressed that many other victims, including schoolchildren abducted in Borno State and more than 100 persons kidnapped in Kaiama, Kwara State, remain in captivity and deserve the same level of urgency and national attention.
According to the statement, every successful rescue should be celebrated, but the government’s ultimate responsibility is to prevent kidnappings from occurring.
“The true measure of success is whether parents can send their children to school without fear, travellers can use the roads safely, and Nigerians can go about their daily activities without the constant threat of violent criminals,” the party stated.
ADC expressed concern that insecurity has become a recurring feature of national life, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to economic growth, investment and public confidence.
The opposition party called on the Federal Government to sustain the momentum that led to the rescue of the Oriire victims by deploying the same level of intelligence, commitment and operational capacity to secure the release of all Nigerians still in captivity.
It further urged the government to move beyond reactive security measures by implementing a comprehensive security strategy focused on tackling the root causes of insecurity, strengthening intelligence gathering, improving inter-agency coordination and enhancing the protection of vulnerable communities.
The party concluded that while the rescue of the Oriire victims is worthy of celebration, the country’s joy will only be complete when every abducted Nigerian is reunited safely with their families.
