Adesanya-Davies Hails Oyo Schoolchildren’s Rescue

….Urges Tinubu to Secure Leah Sharibu’s Freedom

Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has congratulated the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government and Nigeria’s security agencies over the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while calling for renewed efforts to free Leah Sharibu and other Nigerians still in captivity.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Adesanya-Davies described the rescue, which came after 56 days in captivity, as a major victory in the country’s fight against kidnapping and terrorism. She said the operation, which reportedly led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the neutralisation of other members of the criminal gang, demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations and strong political will.

She commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their roles in the rescue mission. She also praised the parents, religious leaders and Nigerians whose prayers and resilience sustained hope throughout the victims’ captivity.

Adesanya-Davies, however, expressed sadness over the reported beheading of one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the brutality of criminal groups. She extended her condolences to the deceased’s family and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The former presidential candidate said the successful rescue should inspire intensified efforts to secure the release of all Nigerians still held by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers across the country.

She specifically appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise the rescue of Leah Sharibu, who has remained in captivity since her abduction from Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, in February 2018.

Adesanya-Davies also urged authorities to renew efforts to rescue the remaining Chibok schoolgirls and other students abducted from schools in Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Sokoto and other northern states.

“The successful rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren proves that no hostage situation is beyond resolution when government demonstrates determination, professionalism and commitment. Every rescued child renews our hope as a nation. Every remaining captive reminds us that our work is not yet finished,” she said.

She further called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence-driven security operations, improve protection under the Safe Schools Initiative, enhance community policing and ensure that kidnappers and terrorists are swiftly brought to justice.

Adesanya-Davies also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence while remaining united in prayers for peace, justice and national security.

While appreciating President Tinubu for expressing regret over the suffering endured by the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, she urged the government not to neglect internally displaced persons, saying it was time for victims in IDP camps to return to their communities in safety.

She maintained that every Nigerian child deserves the constitutional right to quality education in a safe and secure environment, free from fear, violence and terrorism.