The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed gratitude over the safe release of the pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their rescue as a development worthy of thanksgiving.
Obi made this known in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Saturday, where he commended security personnel and all those who contributed to the successful rescue operation.
He said he was greatly relieved by the news of the victims’ freedom and expressed appreciation to everyone who worked behind the scenes to secure their release.
“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes,” he wrote.
While celebrating the successful rescue, Obi stressed that no child should be subjected to the trauma of abduction, noting that the recurring attacks on schools highlight the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, protecting lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of government.
“The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government,” he stated.
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The former Anambra State governor further emphasised that every Nigerian child deserves to receive an education in a safe and secure environment without the fear of violence or abduction.
“Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction,” Obi said.
He congratulated the rescued children, their families, their schools and Nigerians on what he described as a heartening development.
“I rejoice with the children, their families, their schools, and all Nigerians on this heartening development,” he added.
Obi concluded the statement with his familiar message: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
His reaction comes after the Presidency confirmed that the abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom following a security operation in which eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and several others neutralised.
The Presidency also stated that no ransom or prisoner exchange was involved in securing the victims’ release.