Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said the Federal Government refused to grant the demands made by the kidnappers of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State because doing so would have encouraged more kidnappings and strengthened criminal groups operating across the country.
The abducted pupils and teachers regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity.
They were taken from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, LA Primary School and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, on May 15, 2026, before they were rescued by a joint team of security operatives.
Reacting to the development in a statement released through his media office on Saturday, Igboho said the administration of President Bola Tinubu stood by its decision not to pay ransom or release detained terrorists in exchange for the victims.
According to him, such a move would have provided more resources for criminal groups and encouraged further attacks on innocent Nigerians.
He praised the security agencies for the operation that led to the rescue, saying the effort showed careful planning, intelligence gathering and cooperation among the different agencies involved.
Igboho thanked President Tinubu for remaining committed to securing the release of the victims.
He also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security organisations for working together throughout the operation.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the heads of other security agencies, saying their joint efforts helped secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
According to him, the successful rescue has brought relief to the affected families and renewed public confidence in the government's determination to tackle insecurity and protect lives across the country.
Igboho added that the Federal Government remained determined to dismantle criminal networks operating in Oke-Ogun and other parts of Oyo State.
He said security agencies would continue working closely with local security groups to improve safety in rural communities and create a secure environment for residents and farmers.
He also expressed confidence that the ongoing cooperation between government security agencies and local security outfits would continue to improve security in Oke-Ogun and other parts of Nigeria.
While welcoming the release of the victims, Igboho extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones during the abduction.
He particularly mourned teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was killed by the kidnappers while the victims were in captivity.
.jfif)
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